John of Beverley built a church here in the 7th centuary and the town grew up around the monastery that accompanied it. John had made a shrewd investment, he became Bishop of Hexham and later Bishop of York. He ended his days back in Beverley and a slab in the middle of the Minster marks his vault. Canonised in 1037 his burial place became a shrine for pilgrims. A second church built on this site was burnt down and construction of the new Minster began in the unusual form of a double cross.
Beverley Minster claims to be one of the most beautiful churches in Europe. The Early English east end was started in 1220 and the majestic west front was completed in 1420.
Whilst inside enjoying the vast quantity of ornament and sculpture be sure not to miss the Percy Shrine, probably the finest piece of 14th century work of its kind.
A short stroll from the Minster, through delightfully old and ‘twisty’ streets and across the market square stands St. Mary’s Church. It was started in the 12th century as a chapel to the Minster. In the 13th century they rebuilt the nave, weakening the walls so much that in 1520 the tower collapsed, killing several worshippers.
St. Mary’s, Beverley played quite a significant part in the process that culminated in the dissolution of the monasteries when, in common with ‘parishioners’ in Dunster, Somerset, the city merchants took exception to the controls imposed by the monks on who, where and when services might be held. In a nutshell the monks of the land seemed to be saying to the populous as a whole, ‘OK, you built, pay for, and maintain the church BUT it is our church and we will use it as and when wish, you, as mere peasants, will be allowed to use parts of it occasionally and in a manner we decide!’.
Sounds like a perfect reason for revolt to me!
Bide awhile in Beverley, enjoy the Minster and St. Mary’s and stroll though the ancient streets and the Market Square. |
