Bowled over by Beverley

If you mention The Minster in my part of the world, people automatically think you are talking about York Minster.  I had been told that Beverley Minster could hold its own in the beauty stakes, and set out one day to verify this.  I was already rapt in the intricate details when I learned that the Percy Canopy dates from around 1340, and is regarded as a masterpiece of the decorated Gothic style.

More importantly, the atmosphere in the church was warm and welcoming, and I didn’t feel like an intruder, which so often seems to happen.  I entered through the Highgate Porch and was struck by the vastness of the building and the height of the Nave.

I was immediately captivated by the carvings that adorned the walls of the North Aisle.  In the Middle Ages, Beverley was headquarters of the musicians fraternity in the north of England.  These detailed medieval carvings illustrate the period.

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The minster owes its origin to St. John of Beverley, who founded a monastery here in 700AD.  He was bishop of Hexham and then of York before founding Beverley, and his bones still lie beneath a plaque in the nave.  The organ dates from 1767, the beautiful wood carving added in 1880.

I know that Jude would absolutely love it here because she has a thing for misericords, and there are no less than 68.  In medieval times clergy were required to stand when praying.  The Normans tried to make life a little easier by providing a misericord- a shelf on a hinged seat, just enough to perch on.  The name comes from ‘misericordia’, meaning pity, and decorating them with relevant carvings became an artform.

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The High Altar is in regular use for Holy Communion, and behind it there is a beautifully carved altar screen.  Accessed through the Quire, in the south east corner of the church, St. Katherine’s Chapel is a place for quiet contemplation.

Although I was in awe of this lovely building, still I felt comfortable there, and would love to return.  Even the modern art work did not feel out of place.  The Beverley Minster website has a self-guided tour, both useful and informative.

Pedestrian?  I really don’t think so, though the minster did form part of one of my walks.  Join me next Monday?

110 comments

  1. What an impressive building. And the colors of the glass and paintings add to the atmosphere. Reading about how old the Minster is, made me think about a funny (stupid?) moment this last weekend. When walking in Denver, Colorado, I saw a building that said 1650. I was about to make a comment to Mark about the age of this American facade, when – luckily – my penny dropped. Of course, this was the house number instead of the founding year… 🙂

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    1. It would have been once, Lucile. These days they have to fund raise for essential maintenance. Unlike York Minster there is no charge to enter. All ok with you? 🙂 🙂

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      3. Jo, I just read a message from Lexi that he was seen on her blog, and said that he was in Ireland, though still living in Abu Dabi. She said he was or had gone through a mid blog life crisis. Poor Baddie! At least he was spotted somewhere.

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      4. I think we are mostly familiar with those midlife blog crises, Lucile. Good to know that it happens to the best of us. I don’t feel so bad now, but I do miss him. 🙂 Thanks for letting me know.

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      1. Which reminds me, Jo; all the concerned parties have finally decided to restore our poor old earthquake ruined Cathedral. Insurance will cover some of the restoration but a lot of funds will be needed to complete the restoration. I wanted a totally new Cathedral, but, at this stage, I am just glad a decision has been made to do something.

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  11. The workmanship in places like this always amazes me. It’s so beautiful and it’s astounding how well preserved it all is. I have a new walk publishing tomorrow morning (my time) which should link to your last one. It’s my last one in England, so it’s lucky I’ve been doing plenty of walking here lately.

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  12. What a gem, and what a find. You did well to bring this to our attention. Like a lot of people, wWhat little I know about churches in Yorkshire is confined to York Minster. With my funny eyes (still coping with WMD and screwing up one eye to read) I mis-read your title and thought I was off to read about the Belvedere in Vienna. Quite a surprise to be taken to a church in Yorkshire, but a good one.

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  14. Incredible, isn’t it, to see these old churches such “massive” and “intricate” beauty. It really speaks of power and strength. Can you imagine the fundraising to raise money to build this. Those arches are huge, so high and the carved statues… Thanks for sharing the story and marvelous photos. Felt like we were walking with you!

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  18. Amazing. It always boggles my mind at the levels of technical brilliance, let alone the artistic talent to create such things. And pretty much every church or cathedral has something in it to make a person go Wow!

    When I was 13 I missed the bus home from the Town Hall in Chester and went for a ten minute wander around the Cathedral. My walk was abruptly cut short when I was asked to leave by a Warder, Vicar? – I was eating an ice lolly I had bought from the newsagent across the road!
    Funny how such things stick in the mind.

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    1. IWe have some incredible buildings, Ark. I have to say that I never felt comfortable in York Minster- too busy and very expensive, whereas there were few people and contributions were voluntary in Beverley. 🙂 🙂

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  20. How absolutely beautiful. Have never visited. I do enjoy this style of architecture and it’s true that some churches, chapels, cathedrals can give you a very special feeling while others leave you cold. Lovely start to my morning!

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