Beverley Minster Rare 14th Century Limestone Column Capital

A rare late 13th / early 14th century limestone column capital reclaimed from Beverley Minster, Yorkshire. Dating to circa 1300, this limestone capital originates from the medieval period more than 700 years ago. This is a piece of early English history, rare to have survived multiple centuries.

One of the largest parish churches in the United Kingdom, Beverley Minster is considered a gothic masterpiece. The present church, built in the gothic style, is a Grade I listed building. Building began in the year 1190, starting with the church’s East End, but the heritage of the site dates as far back as the 8th century.

Over the years, Beverley Minster has undergone various architectural restorations, including several throughout the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. In 2023, the church sold a selected number of late 13th and early 14th century pieces reclaimed from previous restorations of the building to raise funds for further restorations.

A fragmentary statue, this stone capital is an exceptional piece of medieval English history. Weathered from exposure to the elements over hundreds of years, it is a relatively simple design with obvious losses, likely once forming part of a larger statuary element of the church’s stunning gothic architecture.

It will make a unique feature of any home or garden as a decorative piece of statuary, continuing to tell its story for many years to come.

Beverley Minster

The origins of Beverley Minster date back to the 8th century when John, Bishop of York and future Saint John of Beverley, established a Saxon monastery on the site where the church stands today. A Norman church followed in the mid-late 12th century before building commenced on the present Minster church in 1190.

This marked the beginning of Beverley’s era of gothic architecture. The church evolved throughout all three periods of gothic architecture: Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular; becoming the notable and striking structure it is today. It is said that the architecture of Beverley Minster served as inspiration for Nicholas Hawksmoor’s design of London’s Westminster Abbey, the two buildings sharing a likeness in their great towers.

Larger than several English Cathedrals, Beverley Minster is considered England’s most impressive ‘non-cathedral’ church. Over the centuries, it has been visited by various nobility and royalty including recorded visits from 10th century ruler, King Athelstan, Edward II (1307-1327), Henry IV (1399-1413), Charles I (1625-1649) and Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022).