York Minster will reopen next week

York Minster closed its doors to the public on 17 March.

It will reopen on Tuesday (16 June) – fully 92 days later.

In line with the government’s announcement last week, the Minster will open for private prayer only.

The cathedral is initially planning to open its main Nave area from

• 4.30pm to 6.30pm Tuesday to Saturday
• and from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Sundays

for people to visit the sacred space, light a candle, reflect and pray.

Measures are being put in place to help keep people safe while visiting the cathedral, including limiting the number of people allowed inside at any one time, reduced seating, a new one-way system and hand sanitiser points.

The cathedral will remain closed for public worship and sightseeing, in line with government guidance.

Missed out

The Minster has been closed for Easter, although it has been broadcasting services via its website.

It was also shut for the instalment of a new Archbishop of York.

Bishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell was formally ‘elected’ by York Minster’s College of Canons to be the 98th Archbishop of York yesterday (Thursday, 11 June).  

But instead of taking place in the Minster’s Chapter House with all the canons present, it took place by video conference.

The retiring Archbishop, Dr John Sentamu, marked his departure by laying down his crozier on the Minster’s high altar but with hardly anyone else present.