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Like all our historic buildings the Minster is in a constant state of restoration, we were extremely fortunate to visit as the Great East window was being restored n a £23,000,000 project. All the glass has been removed and the exterior covered in scaffolding to allow the mason rare access to replace badly worn stonework, we were extremely fortunate in being able to climb the scaffolding and see the stonework at close quarters, a chance that will not occur again for at least 70 years once this project is finished
It is often said how our Pagan ancestors created incredible images that can not be seen from the ground, supposedly they were designed only for the gods to see, what is not always known is that the same is seen in Christian architecture. The Great East Window is a perfect example its outer edges being covered in carvings and the two pinnacles covered in protruding carved faces and grotesque all invisible from the ground
Looking down on medieval York from a height of about 20m (70')
Our first glimpse of some of the intricate carvings, in this case this is recently installed replacements made by the stone masons we saw earlier using similar techniques to those used originally 600 years ago
Upper half of one of the two flanking windows showing its original lead work, these windows contain no stained glass
More intricate carving on the window tracery at a height of about 30m (100')
A statuette still stares out from one of the pinnacles 600 years after being carved
Higher up the same pinnacle another Medieval grotesque keeps up its vigil
The outer edge of the main window is covered in relief carvings such as this figure we believed to that of a man wearing a crown and playing a lyre
A 15th century Green Man demonstrates his thoughts on those who consider him a Pagan symbol
A brand new grotesque settle in for hopefully at least another 600 year vigil
An example of the attention to detail, this recently replaced stone at 40m (120') is decorated with cherubs barely 10cm long
Moving higher yet another medieval carving contemplates the world below
The point below this stone face is the highest point of the window (look at the first photo), we were informed that it was considered to be that of Jesus Christ, although an unusual clean shaven image of him
Finally standing above the window is possibly the most controversial carving in the Minster, despite being badly worn it is not to be replaced as no one knows who it depicts, it could be the patron of the window, the bishop of the time or equally it could represent Jesus Christ, getting it wrong could be considered blasphemy.
On returning to the ground we discussed with a Minster guide about such incredible work being placed in such inaccessible positions when he took us to a rear entrance where a yard is now used as a staff car park and pointed out a carving about 25m up the outside wall
Almost unknown to the public four men peer over the side of a boat while a giant figure stands behind them holding something aloft, possibly a rock he intends sinking the boat with? The story unfortunately has been lost sometime in the 600 years since they set sail
It is often said how our Pagan ancestors created incredible images that can not be seen from the ground, supposedly they were designed only for the gods to see, what is not always known is that the same is seen in Christian architecture. The Great East Window is a perfect example its outer edges being covered in carvings and the two pinnacles covered in protruding carved faces and grotesque all invisible from the ground
Looking down on medieval York from a height of about 20m (70')
Our first glimpse of some of the intricate carvings, in this case this is recently installed replacements made by the stone masons we saw earlier using similar techniques to those used originally 600 years ago
Upper half of one of the two flanking windows showing its original lead work, these windows contain no stained glass
More intricate carving on the window tracery at a height of about 30m (100')
A statuette still stares out from one of the pinnacles 600 years after being carved
Higher up the same pinnacle another Medieval grotesque keeps up its vigil
The outer edge of the main window is covered in relief carvings such as this figure we believed to that of a man wearing a crown and playing a lyre
A 15th century Green Man demonstrates his thoughts on those who consider him a Pagan symbol
A brand new grotesque settle in for hopefully at least another 600 year vigil
An example of the attention to detail, this recently replaced stone at 40m (120') is decorated with cherubs barely 10cm long
Moving higher yet another medieval carving contemplates the world below
The point below this stone face is the highest point of the window (look at the first photo), we were informed that it was considered to be that of Jesus Christ, although an unusual clean shaven image of him
Finally standing above the window is possibly the most controversial carving in the Minster, despite being badly worn it is not to be replaced as no one knows who it depicts, it could be the patron of the window, the bishop of the time or equally it could represent Jesus Christ, getting it wrong could be considered blasphemy.
On returning to the ground we discussed with a Minster guide about such incredible work being placed in such inaccessible positions when he took us to a rear entrance where a yard is now used as a staff car park and pointed out a carving about 25m up the outside wall
Almost unknown to the public four men peer over the side of a boat while a giant figure stands behind them holding something aloft, possibly a rock he intends sinking the boat with? The story unfortunately has been lost sometime in the 600 years since they set sail