The Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, today (Wednesday) led a ‘topping out’ ceremony on the roof of York Minster’s new Heritage Quad.
It marked an important milestone in the creation of the cathedral’s Heritage Quad – a new state-of-the-art home for York Minster’s team of stonemasons and heritage craftspeople.
‘Topping out’ celebrates the placement of the highest beam in a new building, and the ancient rite can be traced as far back as the 7th century when Scandinavians would place a tree atop a completed building to appease the tree gods.
York Minster’s ceremony similarly asked for God’s blessing on the new home for its stonemasons, and was attended by representatives from the diverse organisations who have contributed to the building.
The new quad will also include accommodation for apprentices, rooftop solar panels, and rainwater capture systems and is part of the Minster’s Neighbourhood Plan – which aims to transform the Minster Precinct to face the challenges of the 21st century.
The Neighbourhood Plan also includes the two new green spaces that have been created to the east of the Minster, and restaurant Minster Refectory – which was opened in 2023 by His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Alex McCallion, director of works and precinct at York Minster, said: “This is a symbolic milestone in this incredibly exciting project as we begin the final stages of construction ready for the team to move into their new facilities this Autumn.
“This traditional ceremony also gives us an opportunity to thank our many benefactors who have supported York Minster Fund in this fundamentally important project to safeguard the future of York Minster, but the traditional crafts that are needed to care for a complex estate such as this.”