On Monday 9 July 1984 lightning struck York Minster’s South Transept.

Fire destroyed the roof and caused the Rose Window to crack in approximately 40,000 places. Skilled craftspeople undertook a four-year restoration project, returning the transept to its former glory.

“I heard the Minster fire alarm, but it was part of a dream, and I did not wake up.”

– Christopher Simmons

On his first ever night shift, Minster Police Officer, Ron Hunter, opened the door to the first firefighters, who arrived just four minutes after the 2.30am alarm call sounded in the Northallerton control room.

Protector God, bless and protect all emergency workers who put their lives in jeopardy on a regular basis.

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Image reproduced by courtesy of The Press, York.