On Air Now

'I knew we could rebuild it' - Master stonemason recalls the night of Minster fire

York Minster's master stonemason recalled the night the cathedral caught fire in 1984, as an exhibition was unveiled to honour the occasion - 40 years on.

Master Mason Emeritus John David was a resident in the Minster's precinct at the time of the fire.

On the night of July 9, 1984, a lightning strike struck the south transept of the Minster.

"I was awoken at two o'clock in the morning by a neighbour who was a landlord in the local pub," John said.

"He rang the doorbell incessantly and woke me and my wife up and basically said the south transept's on fire so we went to have a look."


 

YOU’LL FIND MORE ON THIS STORY AND OTHERS AT www.yorkpress.co.uk OR PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE NEWSPAPER ITSELF AVAILABLE SIX DAYS A WEEK AT YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT

More from Latest News

Weather in North Yorkshire

Brought to you in association with Flamingo Land Resort. 

 

  • Sun

    18°C

  • Mon

    18°C

  • Tue

    18°C

  • Wed

    18°C

  • Thu

    18°C

Listen Live