Home / Arts and Entertainment / Medieval Shrine Returns to York After 500 Years
Medieval Shrine Returns to York After 500 Years
30 Jan
Summary
- Medieval shrine fragments returned to York Minster after 500 years.
- Exhibition marks 800th anniversary of St. William's canonization.
- Digital reconstruction of the shrine is showcased alongside fragments.
Fragments of a 14th-century medieval shrine honoring York's patron saint, St. William, have been returned to York Minster. This marks the first time these pieces have been back at the cathedral in almost 500 years, since their dismantling during the Reformation between 1538 and 1541. The return of these shrine pieces is considered hugely significant, offering the public a chance to see them displayed.
The exhibition coincides with the 800th anniversary of St. William's canonization. It provides an opportunity to explore his lasting impact on the cathedral's history and structure. The recovered stone fragments, loaned by The Yorkshire Museum, are exhibited alongside other artifacts related to St. William.
Visitors can also experience a complete digital reconstruction of the two-story shrine, created using 3D scanning and video game technology. This allows for a visualization of how the shrine might have originally appeared and how people interacted with it within the Minster. The exhibition features a blend of carved stone, stained glass imagery, and medieval manuscripts.
