Beverley Minster

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.

Construction began in the year 1190, starting with the church’s East End. However, 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).