Monks of Micklegate Exhibition
A glimpse of medieval monastic life
Holy Trinity Church on Micklegate houses a small historical exhibition about monastic life in York.
York was a major centre of monasticism. Large tracts of medieval York were owned by religious orders, who had places of worship, priories and friaries with extensive agricultural land.
Following the Norman conquest in 1066, Benedictine monks from Normandy in France moved to York. They located their priory on the site of an already existing church, in present-day Micklegate.
The interactive display about the work and daily life of the Benedictine monks, as well as monastic life in general. Also reproductions of the illuminated bestiary made by the monks. There are also several activities for children. Worth a look if you happen to be passing.
The monastic church itself was originally much larger, but was much reduced following the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in the 16th century. Part of the ruins were not restored to the present church until the 19th century.
TIP Don't miss the stocks on the left as you go through the entrance gate. These are remodelled, but the actual ones that were used for punishment are on display in the church. Designed for punishing several people at once, the likely explanation for there being 5 holes here is given inside.
TIME Allow around an hour