When was the medieval shrine dedicated to St. William dismantled?

The shrine was dismantled between 1538 and 1541 during the Reformation.

What anniversary is being marked by the exhibition of St. William's shrine fragments?

The exhibition marks the 800th anniversary of St. William's canonization.

How is the medieval shrine of St. William being displayed at York Minster?

Fragments of the stone shrine are on display alongside other artifacts, and a digital reconstruction of the complete shrine is also available.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Medieval Shrine Returns to York After 500 Years

Medieval Shrine Returns to York After 500 Years

30 Jan

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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.

Medieval Shrine Returns to York After 500 Years

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.