Beverley Minster Explore Tours Ground Floor

Beverley Minster Explore Tours Ground Floor Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Beverley Minster Explore Tours Ground Floor, Tour guide, Minster Yard North, Beverley.

Come and find out why this magnificent building is here, the dates, facts, architecture, monuments, carvings, plus stories, past and present, of the many people throughout history who worshipped here and were connected to this spiritual place.

In the Retroquire/Lady Chapel the letters set in the floor indicate the burial places of some of the people commemorated...
02/09/2025

In the Retroquire/Lady Chapel the letters set in the floor indicate the burial places of some of the people commemorated on the surrounding walls (there are no longer any bodies remaining under the floor of the Minster). The Warton tombs are of a family who originated from Hull. During the reformation of the 16th century they bought up much church property, including the Dominican Friary in Beverley. They were the richest commoners in the land but by 1770s had run out of sons. Their daughters were married off to the Pennyman sons of Ormesby Hall. The Pennyman family built the Hall in Lairgate. Again there were no sons so a daughter married into the Walker family and produced sons but they were all killed in WW1. In 1926 Admiral Walker gave The Hall in Lairgate to the town and the land was bought for housing estates. The road named after him went through his parkland. As well as Saturdays, do take advantage of our midweek tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Our guides are always enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and ready to answer any questions you have about our magnificent Minster. https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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Recently when one of our tour guides lifted the font cover to show visitors, the font was immediately filled with the re...
27/08/2025

Recently when one of our tour guides lifted the font cover to show visitors, the font was immediately filled with the reflection of one of our stained glass windows which we have never seen happen before! We often get asked why only some windows are stained glass. It is likely that this was influenced by the number of donors with the money to pay for expensive stained glass. All the clerestory (upper) windows are plain glass to give more light into the building. Some of these windows near to the font are dedicated to the Woodcock sisters who lived at 4 Highgate, a Grade II listed building since 1987. John, their father was an Excise Officer and his daughters were milliners. John's last known address was Butcher Row. The windows are erected in memory of Margaret Woodcock who died in 1900 aged 91 and offered by her sister Maria. Next erected in memory of John Woodcock who died in 1884 age 64, offered by his daughters Margaret and Maria. John's memorial stone has been recorded in the churchyard. The last window is in memory of Elizabeth Gardham (née Woodcock) who died in 1888 and is offered by her sisters Margaret, and Maria Woodcock who died in 1911. Elizabeth was the widow of Thomas Gardham, a draper who was for some time a churchwarden at the Minster. Book a tour with us there are spaces left for today, Thursday and Saturday. https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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Under an arch of the south nave arcade is the canopy of a fourteenth century tomb. Latest consideration dates the canopy...
21/08/2025

Under an arch of the south nave arcade is the canopy of a fourteenth century tomb. Latest consideration dates the canopy between 1310 and 1340. The tomb that is under the canopy is much later in date and does not fit the space provided. Stories persist of this being the tomb of two virgin sisters of Earl Puch, a Saxon noble whose wife was cured by St. John of Beverley, but it is far too late in date. A more likely story is that it is of two virgin sisters who gave pastureland to the freemen of the town in the Middle Ages. More believable would be the consideration that this canopy may have originally been part of the tomb monument to one of the Percy’s, many of whom were buried in the Minster. Alternatively, maybe it adorned the tomb chest which now lies below the effigy of Nicholas of Huggate. There is a story about a more modern use of this tomb. Our tour guides are eager to explain. Tickets are still available for Saturday and next week https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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In 1873 for the first time the church was fully heated by the installation of 5 stoves in the nave and lesser transepts....
19/08/2025

In 1873 for the first time the church was fully heated by the installation of 5 stoves in the nave and lesser transepts. These may have been Gurney Stoves which are still in existence, and heating Peterborough Cathedral by gas, but originally coke. The imprint of where these stoves were, can still be seen on the stone floor of the Minster. It had been reported in a letter written to the Hull Advertiser in 1828 that no attempt had been made to exclude the cold which was almost intolerable. It took another 45 years but makes you wonder how the cold was tolerated during the previous 1,000+ years! Bringing along heated stones perhaps. Don't forget we have our tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Have a look at the website to book.
https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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1905 is the date when this New Memorial Window was dedicated to the memory of the Officers and men of the East Yorkshire...
14/08/2025

1905 is the date when this New Memorial Window was dedicated to the memory of the Officers and men of the East Yorkshire Regiment who fell in the South African War 1899-1903. This stained window is by Hardman of Birmingham. The postcard I found was black and white so I gave it a bit of colour. The western two lights portray Joshua in Jericho. The eastern pair of lights show Healing the Centurion's servant. The medallions show Caleb, Gideon, Cornelius and Lucius. Looking through the reviews about our colourful windows they are described as "simply stunning, amazing, mind blowing, incredible, phenominal, exceptional, must to see etc.", so they must be good! Our guides are looking forward to showing you more impressive windows and architecture so book your tours here https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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Maintaining the Minster is a continuous process, but it has not always been in such good condition as it is now. In the ...
12/08/2025

Maintaining the Minster is a continuous process, but it has not always been in such good condition as it is now. In the early 18th Century, there were signs of serious deterioration and over the period 1716 to 1763 a determined attempt was made to refurbish and ‘modernise’ it.
Most serious was that the North Transept Gable End wall was leaning outwards and in danger of complete collapse. In 1719 disaster was prevented by the construction of a massive timber frame which held the wall rigid while the frame pivoted it back to the vertical. The next pillar in from the wall is still leaning by 4 degrees from the vertical and the ceiling above is plaster which replaced the original stone vault to reduce the weight and to prevent this happening again. William Thornton of York was responsible for carrying out this work and there are two drawings hanging on the pillars opposite the shop which show how it was done. William Thornton died in 1721 but the business was carried on by ‘Mrs Thornton’ and their son. Our tour guides can show you this and are eager to tell you more fascinating facts about our Minster. Check out the dates and times with this link https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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In the 1920s the Minster's Jesse lancet windows were moved from above the South transept doors to the West wall. The "Je...
05/08/2025

In the 1920s the Minster's Jesse lancet windows were moved from above the South transept doors to the West wall. The "Jesse Window" typically refers to a type of stained glass window depicting the genealogy of Jesus Christ, known as the Tree of Jesse. The windows were given by Thomas Clarkson who was a churchwarden in 1862. They were restored in 1971 and the colouring has been greatly enhanced. Originally the Jesse glass was made by Messrs Hardman of Birmingham in 1857. A visit to see our stained glass windows as part of a tour is a must, especially as we have now won an award on Trip Advisor through excellent reviews, placing us in the top 10%. Bookings can be made here https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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In 1643 during the English civil war, the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) broke out of Hull where they had been under sieg...
01/08/2025

In 1643 during the English civil war, the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) broke out of Hull where they had been under siege. They took up residence in Beverley where they used the Minster. In 1960 students from Leeds university took samples of shot from the outside of the West doors that dated to that time. It is believed targets were placed outside the West doors for practice and the ammunition found in the doors were the ones that missed the targets. The stone monuments outside all around the door are detailed in a book that is now out of print. I have attached a page from it. Book a tour and the guide will show you the graffiti along with more fascinating facts about this amazing building so full of history just waiting to be told. We now have Thursdays added to our tour days of Saturdays and Wednesdays. https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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The suggestion was made to turn the Retrochoir into a place of meditation and prayer The Friends of the Minster approach...
29/07/2025

The suggestion was made to turn the Retrochoir into a place of meditation and prayer The Friends of the Minster approached several artists to design a scheme, and Helen Whittaker’s scheme, based on the theme of ‘A Spiritual and Artistic Pilgrimage’ was accepted and completed in 2004. The scheme consists of a stained-glass single lancet window in the south wall, with opposite it two life-sizes figures sculpted in sheet copper. They represent pilgrims gazing at the glowing light at the heart of the window. There are also benches and seating for meditation and prayer, together with a candle stand sculpted in copper and designed in the form of a cross, with three staggered horizontal levels to symbolise the Trinity. It incorporates candle storage and a donation box in the vertical section of the cross. Do come and see this lovely space for yourselves along with a tour by our very enthusicastic and friendly guides. The link is here https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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The Retrochoir or Lady Chapel contains one of the oldest monuments in the Minster - to Sir Michael Warton of Beverley Pa...
25/07/2025

The Retrochoir or Lady Chapel contains one of the oldest monuments in the Minster - to Sir Michael Warton of Beverley Parks. He died in 1655 and his monument is a fine example of 17th century monumental stonework. Directly opposite is an even more grandiose 18th century monument to his grandson, another Michael, who gave a very generous bequest to the Minster. The Wartons were the richest family in the area because they bought up a lot of property after the dissolution of the Monasteries. You can find out more on one of our wonderful tours. There are still some spaces left for this Saturday and other dates. During our busy summer season it is a great way to cool off when the sun is beating down. https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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There are four stained glass Lancet windows in the South wall of the lesser East transept which were given by Canon Noll...
22/07/2025

There are four stained glass Lancet windows in the South wall of the lesser East transept which were given by Canon Nolloth in 1899 as a memorial to his mother. The upper windows portray scenes from the life of St. John of Beverley. On the East from Abbess Hilda of Whitby teaching John, then John as Bishop of Hexham ordaining the Venerable Bede, next the building of Beverley Minster. On the West John preaching and then John performing a miracle. Lastly the translation (transfer) of the remains of John of Beverley. It is almost as if every part of the Minster tells several stories. Our wonderful friendly guides would love to show you around and by popular demand we have added Thursdays as an option along with the usual Wednesdays and Saturdays. Do come and book a tour using this link. https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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The Retrochoir or Lady Chapel, is the area behind the high altar separated from the rest of the church by the carved sto...
17/07/2025

The Retrochoir or Lady Chapel, is the area behind the high altar separated from the rest of the church by the carved stone reredos (ornamental stone screen or partition wall behind an altar). In the Middle Ages the shrine of John of Beverley may have been mounted on the reredos, or, as at Westminster Abbey and St Albans, it may have been on a shrine base in the centre of the retrochoir. We do not know which. It provided a substantial space for the pilgrims while keeping them away from other activities going on in the church. This old part of the Minster has a lot more interesting detail to it which our knowledgeable guides can explain about. Our tours are described in reviews as "well worth it, there were so many interesting characters and facts pointed out to us which we would have missed without our guide". This Saturday at 1 p.m. is our next tour at just £6 each, a bargain. Availability and other dates can be found with the booking details here https://beverleyminster.org.uk/guided-tours-date-selection/
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Address

Minster Yard North
Beverley
HU170DP

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4am
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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