Church Burning Revisited As York Minster Remembers Flames For 40 Year Anniversary

Image source, Duncan Lomax - Ravage Productions/Chapter of York - Via BBC

Many people will remember the devastating fire that ripped through the historical York Minster back in 1984. The building boasts some of Britain’s finest period architecture outside of London with roots dating back to pre-Viking times. The Minster of today was built over a staggering 250 years during the early Middle Ages, when life expectancy was around half as much as it is today. Designed to fit the needs of the Entire North of England when the nation was still under King and God, the magnificent Gothic building represents the first example of the style ever built in the land. Westminster, Exeter, Sheffield Town Hall, they all take the second row.  
 
When the fire blazed through the South Transept, the right-hand side of the cross shape, the pulpit area and the priceless artifacts were destroyed. Thankfully, work was able to begin immediately to repair the beautiful and hardy structure. Now, with 4 decades behind them, the Minster are ready to recreate the entire experience with a fantastic light and sound show called Phoenix. The Nave, where the congregation sits, and the entrance area at the West Wing, will be illuminated with flickering orange and yellow firelight. The sound of a raging fire and the voices of firefighters will sing out from speakers to complete the effect.  
 
Exhibition creators Karen Monid and Ross Ashton have deliberately put the disaster into vivid detail, incorporating the story of the fire and the continuing work to rebuild the world-famous building. Visitors today may not be able to tell that there are pieces missing and that several traditional elements may not be in their rightful place. Millions of pounds and four long years were spent to get the place back to usability. However, with the full story told alongside the exciting visual and sonic effects, modern-day Minster goers will discover how much is still needed to be done.  
 
From the 2nd of November, visitors can witness the display for themselves and learn all about how human endeavour conquers chaos with the provision of time, effort, and of course money. Ticket prices for this event raise funds to help continue the vital repair work that no-doubt will take place over this generation and the next. With a history such as the one York Minster carries on its shoulders, we can all afford to wait a while to see its completion.   

​Learn about the Gothic Architecture style: ​The Gothic Cathedral: The Architecture of the Great Church 1130-1530
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