All Saints is one of York's finest churches, and contains a wealth of interesting furnishings,…read morealong with impressive mediaeval glass. Tradition states that the first All Saints was built here in 685AD for St Cuthbert, and a church certainly existed here in mediaeval times. However, the present church dates from the late 14th century, and has in its Perpendicular Gothic lines an architectural unity rare in this city of ancient churches. It was a Guild church, and shields from some of the Guilds are located at the end of the pews. From the outside, the most distinctive feature is its octagonal tower, dating from around 1400, surmounted with one of the finest lanterns in the country. This really was a lantern in mediaeval times: a light was kept burning here to guide travellers into York, and inside the church are two of the huge and rather crude lenses used to focus the light. The interior is spacious, if rather truncated: the original chancel was demolished to make way for a market in 1782. The attractive blue panelled nave ceiling dates from the 15th century, but it is the fittings and furnishings that provide the interest. Chief of these is the glass: the three East windows are all by Kempe, and the West window dates from around 1370, and was brought from St Saviour's in 1957. The series of panels depicting the Passion is claimed to be unique, and is certainly rare. Other items of interest include an Anglo-Danish grave cover from the 10th century; an elegant 17th century pulpit dated 1634, from which John Wesley (1703-1791), the co-founder of the Methodist church, preached; a 15th century lectern; the aforementioned lantern lenses; a Lord Mayors' Board (34 of them are buried here); and replicas of the helmet, sword and gauntlets of Thomas Percy, 7th Earl of Northumberland, who was executed in The Pavement in 1572 for leading a rebellion against Elizabeth I.

Built unusually all in one go, St Michael's replaced an earlier church on the site during the reign…read moreof Henry VIII, and sits at the end of Petergate in the shadow of the Minster. The exterior is (predictably) executed in Tudor Gothic, and is wide and low. The west front is newer, as it was rebuilt in the 19th century when adjacent houses were demolished. Inside, the church has generous aisles running the length of the church, but the real reason for a visit is to see the fine 18th century Baroque Altarpiece and the collection of late maediaeval glass: that in the East window dates from the mid-14th century and comes from the previous church, whereas that in the aisles dates from its rebuilding in the mid 16th century, in the Flemish style. There is also an extensive collection of 18th century monuments and memorials. Many visitors come to see the enlarged copy of Guy Fawkes' baptismal entry in the church's registers: I had no idea that our most famous traitor was born an Anglican! The modern church has a large and very active congregation, broadly evangelical in style.

We were in York the other day. Were amazed by the York Minster. And came to Selby to check out the…read moreAbbey. But didn't expect it to be so massive, so impressive. The town center is easy to walk. The main street, the shopping centre and the Abbey. All in short distance. The church is one of the relatively few surviving abbey churches of the medieval period. And it's not a cathedral actually. But it is one of the largest. It was founded by Benedict of Auxerre[3] in 1069 and subsequently built by the de Lacy family. As the York Minster, this Abbey too was hit by a fire. In 1906. And in 2002 it underwent a big restoration, costing several million pounds. Now the Abbey is standing there in all its glory. Almost 1000 years of history looking at you! A really impressive piece of history and architecture. Walked around it first to see all the details and to explore the grounds. Inside the Abbey is equally impressive. Even a shop, a café and toilets are located inside. Which was a bit unusual. Be sure to check out the impressive organ and the Washington Window. Selby was a pleasant surprise, a wonderful town. And the heart and centerpiece is the amazing Abbey. Definitely a must-do when in the area. It's surprising how few visitors have found their way here, we've seen only a handful.

Founded by Benedict in 1069, and further build by the De Lacy noble Norman family originating from…read moreLassy, Selby Abbey is one of the very few surviving abbey churches of the medieval period. Selby Abbey is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin and St Germain. Being build by a Norman family one expects the tower to be Norman, but the eastern end is decorated in a Gothic style, and the west front a mixture of Norman, Gothic and Victorian. Like many Abbey's and Minsters, Selby Abbey boasts it own colourful past. Particularly damaged during the 17th century and then the great fire of 1906, the Abbey now finds its self benefiting from extensive restoration that ensures its status as one of the most impressive abbey's in the country. I would recommend the inspiring atmosphere, the beautiful stain glass and architecture and the quite daunting climb up the tower if you are brave enough!

If you visit just one church in York (aside from the Minster), make it this one. This fascinating…read morelittle church, tucked away on the rather less touristy west bank of the Ouse, has a fascinating history and contains one of Britain's most impressive collections of mediaeval stained glass. History There has been a church here since at least the 11th century, and probably predating the Norman invasion. In the 12th century, the single-cell church was expanded with aisles, some of which incorporated Roman columns from the original Roman settlement of Eboracum. The chancel was reconstructed in the 13th century in the Early English style, but a major rebuilding in the 14th century saw the east end rebuilt in the decorated style, with the aisles extended to form a rectangular plan. Later in the same century, the tower and 120ft spire were built, and the fine chancel and aisle ceilings were added in the 15th century. The church On entering, the church has a slightly rustic and homely feel to it. With no crossing, the nave is divided from the chancel only by the rood screen, and the aisles run uninterrupted from east to west. The arcades are in the simplest Early Gothic style, with simple capitals. One of the original Roman columns can clearly be seen between the north aisle and chancel. But the main event is unquestionably the stained glass: almost all of it is mediaeval, and of very high quality. There is simply too much to describe here in great detail, but there is more information available on the church's website. But essentially, the north and south aisles and east end contain windows which are complete or almost entirely complete in their original form, and date mostly from the 14th and 15th centuries. The most famous are in the north aisle: first, the 'Corporal Acts of Mercy Window' shows a bearded man (who may be the donor, Nicholas Blackburn, a merchant and mayor of York), carrying out six of the seven bodily acts of mercy, ie feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, offering hospitality to strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and relieving those in prison. The final act (burying the dead) is omitted. Next along in the aisle is the unique 'Pricke of Conscience' window, so named after a Middle English poem, written in the Northumbrian dialect, describing the last 15 days of the world. The panels depict the destruction of the world and the fate of humankind, each panel underscored with the relevant passage of the poem, and all intended to call people to repent. As you might expect, the images include some wonderful beasts, demons and devils, along with people in varying states of terror or torment. The families of the donors sit watching all this at the bottom of the window. Finally, in the south aisle, look out for the bright and colourful 'Orders of Angels' window in the south aisle: in one of the lower panels is a man wearing a pair of very uncomfortable looking 15th century spectacles. Other fittings of note include a fine 15th century memorial slab on the floor of the south aisle near the chancel arcade, and the imposing late 17th cetury pulpit. Don't forget to look up, either, to the chancel and aisle ceilings with their beautifully carved 15th century hammerbeams depicting angels and men of the church. Practicalities The church is in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, and Mass is said on Thursday at 12.45, and on Sundays at 12 noon and 17.30. The church is normally open for visitors in the middle of the day.

Not as impressive as The Minister, but worth a look. In my opinion, this was an Archeologist gem,…read moremedieval structure. This church received my admiration twice on my 5 day visit. Super good vibes.

I have passed this church countless times and occasionally been amused by their encouraging posters…read moreabout Jesus and God. The latest reads something like - feel taken for granted? Imagine how God feels! I have never been moved to visit the church in a religious capacity, however. Like many churches these days, the hall acts as a community space. I have been to a few yoga and dance workshops here and the space is really great. Even though it is on the Otley Road, when inside it is very peaceful. At the back there is a large green area which is also very pleasant. I'm sure many community take advantage of this space by meeting here.

I can't believe I've never reviewed this amazing gothic cathedral. During my first ever visit to…read moreYork, I took a tour which was fascinating. I highly suggest a tour for first-time visitors. Now, I enjoy going by for a walk when I'm back visiting. The cathedral is so big and beautiful. The stained glass is just incredible. This is the type of architecture that adds to the medieval atmosphere that is still prominent in York today. Fun fact: it took over 250 years to build it!

My wife visited York Minster to pray and light a candle for her deceased mother and the anniversary…read moreof the outbreak of World War 1, which she has done on many previous occasions when we visit York. She suffers from severe mental and physical disabilities and quiet prayer and reflection brings her comfort. On previous occasions we were directed to a quiet side chapel. On this occasion she was told to sit in an area cordoned off with red rope right near the entrance. It was an exposed, noisy area with a constant flow of visitors passing on both sides. No was no one praying in this area. My wife politely asked a member of staff if there was a quieter more appropriate area where she could pray and the member of staff said he would fetch someone. Eventually a young girl with straight blonde hair appeared wearing an apron and yellow marigold gloves. This young woman failed to introduce herself and was very aggressive in her tone and body language. This woman told my wife "this is the only area available to pray and you do this or leave!". My wife started to become stressed, said that she couldn't pray there and asked "Am I in church?" This woman raised her voice, was waving her arms covered in the long yellow gloves and repeatedly told my wife "this is the only area available to pray and you do this or leave!" and tried to justify this by saying that "we make things to look nice". Faced with this verbal tirade my wife became extremely upset, covered her ears and burst into tears and told this woman she was unwell. She left the Minster in a very distressed state. My wife emailed a complaint to York Minister but received a response from the Head of Audience Operations claiming that she had carried out a full investigation and stated that she "found no evidence of aggression, hostility or disrespect on her part, and I am satisfied that she sought to handle the situation calmly and professionally." Based on what evidence because she didn't speak to my wife and presumably this full investigation soley entailed talking to this unprofessional young woman? We have never experienced such shocking treatment before, especially in a place of worship. Clearly York Minister is just a money making machine and not a safe place of worship or comfort. The fact that staff with such a poor and unsensitive manner are employed in a church is unbelievable.

This church is fairly modern, and we sometimes go to events there. Its really welcoming and…read morefriendly and its used as kind of a community centre as well as a church. Nice place to go for events and special services.

Wakefield Cathedral is a beautiful building and celebrated for having the tallest spire in…read moreYorkshire (247 feet). Its interior is famous due to the mice carved into the pews by their maker Robert Thompson. The cathedral's windows used to be very beautiful stained glass: some of these still remain, but some have been replaced with modern glass due to lowlifes and worthless idiots who have smashed some of the original windows. If you visit the Cathedral, it has a very peaceful and restful interior, ideal for prayer and contemplation. There is also a small chapel leading off, suitable for semi-private prayer. Formerly the building was surrounded by rather beautiful rosebushes and gravestones but these have been removed in recent years. The bookshop in one corner offers a wide range of mementoes, books, bookmarks etc. The building used to be open most of the time but now has more restricted opening hours, sadly.