The Chapter House is tucked away, hiding behind it’s vestibule and on first view it is both a surprise and delight. The octagonal room was completed in 1286 and is unusual in that it does not have a central column to support the vaulted roof.
From the guidebook:
Used from the 1290s onwards for parliaments by Edward I and Edward II during their campaigns against the Scots, the Chapter House is still used for meetings of the full College of Canons and for the installation of new canons. Around the walls are the 44 seats of the chapter, each canon has an equal voice in decision-making and the dean is ‘first amongst equals’, so seats are arranged in groups of six, making it impossible for the dean to sit at the ‘head’ of a meeting.
Some of the Minster’s finest carvings are to be found on the canopies of these seats: a riot of funny faces, animals and mythical beasts, around 80 per cent are original carvings from 1270-1280 and the remainder were carved by George Peter White during the 1845 Beckwith restoration.
The artistry and skill of old master craftsmen is awesome.
It is great isn’t it?
I know the Dean to the Bishop of York Cherie – you never know do you! lol!
I never knew that
I loved York Minster it is the first time I have been properly.
Not unlike stalagtites, except that they are made of different material and look different.
That makes them sound quite different from stalactites *chuckles*
Gosh, that is so much like Wells Cathedral. Have you been to Wells Cherie? I must make my online photo album public.
Churches and graveyards are my thing if I have my Nikons with me and I really must try and visit York Minster if I can find some company to go with.
I have been to Wells Cathedral many years ago, I remember feeling something special as I stood under the scissor arch.
I would love to see your photos, I don’t think I have of Wells Cathedral.
I think you would love York, I hope to get the chance to go back again soon.
Beautiful. I love York Minster.
It is quite awe inspiring!