Today marks the 40th anniversary of the 1984 fire at York Minster.
In the early hours of Monday 9 July 1984, York Minster was struck by lightning and suffered one of the worst cathedral fires of modern time – which destroyed the roof of the South Transept.
Retired firefighters who fought the blaze in 1984 were invited to York Minster today, along with current North Yorkshire firefighters, and the Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell.
This evening, York Minster will hold a service of commemoration which will include special prayers and readings, as well as a sermon by the Archbishop of York. The Choir of York Minster, led by Robert Sharpe, Director of Music, will perform a selection of reflective music.
This is part of the cathedral’s programme of events and services to commemorate the blaze – which includes a brand new exhibition, Out of the Ashes.
Firefighters who fought the blaze, Tony Ambler, Tony Burnett, and John Mackenzie, climbed up the tower to see the outside of the South Transept roof which was completely destroyed by the fire.
“It was stomach-wrenching in a way,” said Tony Ambler, on stepping out onto the crosswalk for the first time in 40 years.
“When you think of the time factor – 40 years, which is frightening– and then conversing with the other firefighters and finding out some of what you did remember of that night was actually correct – because your mind does play tricks on you and it was a very horrendous situation that we had that day.
“It’s bringing that confidence back and reconfirming that what you did remember was actually right.”
The firefighters that night battled the fire from the roof of the South Transept and recieved the St William’s Cross – York Minster’s highest honour – for their bravery.
“We were a bit disappointed initially that we lost the roof, but when we saw what we had saved we saw that we didn’t do a bad job at the end of the day. But when you lose anything it does affect you.
“The outstanding quality of firefighters is we’re family, and we always look after one another – that is the essence of being a firefighter.”
Find out more about how York Minster are commemorating the anniversary at their website.
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