History was made in York on Monday (January 26) when Libby Lane became the first woman bishop in the Church of England in a ceremony at the Minster.
The consecration service – colourful, solemn and good humoured by turns – was interrupted briefly by a protester registering his opposition to the historic change.
But the incident passed quickly and the Archbishop of York ordained Libby Lane as Bishop of Stockport.
Greeted by the cheers of well wishers and the flash of many press photographers cameras, the new Bishop smiled broadly at the West Door of the Minster when the two-hour service drew to an end.
It was an event which drew on the full majesty of the cathedral, with the Archbishop of Canterbury also taking part.
The sermon by the Archdeacon of York, Sarah Bullock, a friend to Libby Lane for 25 years, drew on the television service Call The Midwife for inspiration.
Bishops lay hands on new #BishopLibby @York_Minster . pic.twitter.com/SOPU1Na37j
— Ravage Productions (@ravageprod) January 26, 2015
Joyous scenes for the new bishop @York_Minster #BishopLibby pic.twitter.com/ILf20IUvao
— Ravage Productions (@ravageprod) January 26, 2015
Hip Hip Hooray!