Religious Buildings in and near York

One of England’s most spectacular religious buildings is York Minster, known for its jewel-like stain glass. The stunning religious building of York Minster is filled with light and colour streaming from the large, detailed windows, many of which date from the 15th century. Another fascinating group of religious buildings just outside York is Fountains Abbey, the largest abbey ruin in England.

York Minster

A visit to York Minster is your moment in the long history of northern Europe's greatest gothic cathedral. You'll see traces of every age from the Roman occupation of York onwards to the future of this working and worshipping church. ... more

No matter what your religious beliefs, you cannot but marvel at England's magnificent religious buildings. Historic Cathedrals, churches, abbeys, priories and other religious buildings are found all over the country, and these compose a significant thread in the rich tapestry of English heritage.

Visitors are especially humbled and awe-struck by the soaring vaults and towering spires of England's wonderful cathedrals. English cathedrals are some of the most amazing architectural masterpieces in the world, and contain works of art that will leave you speechless with admiration. They are the spiritual and cultural centres of cities, and have played a crucial role in the country's history.

Canterbury Cathedral's first tourists started arriving in the Middle Ages, and they've been coming steadily ever since to admire one of the most important English cathedrals. It was here that St Augustine began the conversion of the pagan inhabitants of England in 597 and the turning point in the Cathedral's history came when, in 1170, when Thomas à Becket met his death in front of the altar. Becket, the Archbishop, had quarrelled with the the king, and so was killed by four of the king's knights.

Miracles began to be reported at Becket's tomb, and the cathedral was rebuilt soon after to provide an elaborate shrine for the martyr. For the next 300 years it was the most popular place of pilgrimage in England. Becket's tomb was destroyed by Henry VIII, but a modern memorial has been erected, and Canterbury is still an amazing and awe-inspiring place to visit today, particularly for its Romanesque nave and glorious stain glass.

Considered by many to be the finest example of early English Gothic architecture, Lincoln Cathedral stands taller than the Egyptian Pyramids, and can be seen from all over the town. It has recently starred in the film adaptation of The Da Vinci Code. Look out for the famous Lincoln imp: legend says the devil sent this gargoyle to earth to cause trouble, but an angel turned him into stone!

York Minster is an equally magnificent cathedral, known especially for its sparkling stain glass. The architects tried to apply the Gothic principle of the stain glass being more important than the walls of the building. The result is a building filled with light and colour streaming from the large, detailed windows, in which much of the glass dates from the 15th Century.

The honour of the oldest cathedral in England goes to Durham Cathedral, renowned as a masterpiece of Norman architecture. Begun in 1093, it is the only cathedral in England to retain almost all of its Norman structures, and the original design is still preserved. It's particularly important as it was built to house the shrine of North England's best-loved saint, Cuthbert.

Liverpool Cathedral holds the title of the largest English cathedral, and it also features the world's highest Gothic arches. It was completed in the 1920's in the Gothic style and the huge scale of its architecture and the panoramic views from the tower make a lasting impression on its many visitors. Liverpool Cathedral also holds the record for the world's highest and heaviest peal of bells.

London's skyline boasts two very famous places of worship: St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

St Paul's world-famous dome and elegant façade is impressive, and it is also worth visiting for its interior, with sparkling mosaics, intricate stone carving, and wonderful views across London. The elegant, classically-inspired cathedral was built by young architect Christopher Wren after the original church on the site was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666. Try out the amazing Whispering Gallery inside the dome: it's shaped so that if you whisper into the wall, your words can be heard all the way across the dome.

A must on any London visitor's list should be the illustrious Westminster Abbey. The history of the Abbey stretches back more than a thousand years, as Benedictine monks first came to the site in the tenth century, establishing a tradition of daily worship which continues to this day. The Abbey has had the distinction of being the church where all English monarchs have been crowned since 1066. It is also the final resting place of 17 monarchs. Memorials to the most significant English men and women fill the Abbey: there are monuments to politicians, scientists, artists, and so many literary giants that a Poet's Corner was created.

A visit to England's greatest religious buildings will be a highlight in any tour: the quiet, cool stone cathedrals with their lofty ceilings and jewel-like stain glass will leave a lasting impression in your memory.