We had breakfast early so that we could get to York Minster in plenty of time to get a good seat in the central part of the nave, ready for the Easter morning Eucharist service. We found it odd that the first person that greeted us was a Policeman; York minster has its own police officers. As it turned out the seats we chose were in the best possible place. As well as being able to see the Altar and Pulpit we were near the font of holy water where several parts of the service took place. During the service the water from the font was used for sprinkling the congregation from rosemary sprigs for the remembrance of baptism.

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Before the service took place the Dean welcomed the congregation and explained that communion was taken in the hand and that communion wafers should not be dipped in the wine (probably along with several thumbs). She said it was theologically sound for the wafer to be taken dry followed by a sip of wine. Following her introduction the service began with a procession through the church with Archbishop Sentamu bringing up the rear. The sermon focused on Jesus and how much he loves us. He demonstrated with arms wide open, ‘This Much’ and encouraged the congregation to repeat.

Towards the end of the service, after communion had been administered, Archbishop Sentamu said that the incense used in the service had been a gift from the Cardinal Archbishop of Belgium. The incense had been made in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and we were asked to say a prayer for those suffering in that war torn region. As we left the Minster, the Archbishop shook our hands, gave a blessing and exchanged a few words.

We made our way to Lucky Days Cafe for lunch. I had spotted some nice cakes in the window a couple of days before. I chose plum frangipane and it was delicious. Once we had finished lunch we visited the Merchant Adventurers Hall. A Merchant Adventurer was someone who risked or ‘adventured’ his or her own money in overseas trade, bringing back goods and wealth to York. The Hall, with its 660 year history, is still home to the company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York.

When we left the hall it was cold and rainy so we ducked in the tearoom above the Teddy Bear Shop before we visited York Mansion House, the earliest purpose built house for a Lord Mayor still in existence. It was the place where the Lord Mayor entertained visitors to the city and also a place to house York’s civic collections. That evening we dined at Rustique Restaurant and Bistro which is French in style. I chose the very tasty fishcakes.

Link to CAG Photography