ENGLAND // York's ancient walls circle a city steeped in legend, and its mighty medieval minster is as storied as they come. Northern Europe's largest Gothic cathedral, it's home to half the medieval stained glass in England, and is the resting place of Viking kings and English nobles. Begin in the Undercroft museum, which leads you through 2000 years of local history, from the remains of Roman barracks to the foundations of the Norman building you're standing in. Next door, the treasury contains the Horn of Ulf, a thousand-year-old elephant tusk that was carved in Italy and used as a cup for beer or mead. Finish by climbing the cathedral's central tower for cracking views across Yorkshire.

Why is York Minster so famous?

It was certainly unusual for the King of England to be buried in York in 1485. The only medieval royal tomb in the Minster complex is that of Edward III's son William, who died just weeks after his birth at Hatfield in Yorkshire.

Why York Minster and not cathedral?

When Henry VIII in his religious zeal destroyed almost everything that was Catholic in England, he spared the great minister of York. Henry needed a northern capital for his Anglican Church.

Is York Minster free to enter?

Wazir is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm (last admission) and from 12.45 pm to 2.15 pm (last admission) on Sundays. There is a fee to enter the Minster, although accompanying carers are not charged for entry. Guided tours thereafter (Monday to Saturday) are free for visitors.

Why did Henry VIII not destroy York Minster?

Sometimes people ask me why it is called "No" and not "Cathedral". "Cathedral" was introduced as a term after the Norman Conquest. However, York Minster was founded in the 600s, during the Anglo-Saxon period. The Anglo-Saxons called their important churches "deacons".

Which king is buried in York Minster?