One of the world's great cathedrals, York Minster is the largest gothic cathedral of northern Europe, built on the site of York's Roman headquarters.

York Minster is both a minster (the name given to a church that was originally an Anglo-Saxon missionary outpost) and a cathedral, the church of the second most senior Anglican archbishop in England.

A first wooden church was built here in 627, for the baptism of Edwin, King of Northumbria. And there followed at least two stone churches before this one.

Most of the present Minster took over 250 years to build, beginning in 1220. Events of history, repeated fires and necessary maintenance have meant that the work has never really stopped, however. The Minster still employs its own skilled masons and glaziers, as in medieval times.

This sketch shows the main parts of the building, which include the Central Tower; the Chapter House; the Choir; the Nave; and the Transepts.