Beverley Minster (12th-13th century) Beverley, East Yorkshire The last three Anglo-Saxon archbishops of York developed three churches in the diocese of York into almost cathedral status - Ripon in the north, Southwell in the south and Beverley in the East. Archbishop Aelfric brought about the canonization of John in 1037 and translated his relics into a new shrine of gold and silver, ornamented with precious stones. He continued the promotion of Beverley as a place of pilgrimage and stories of miracles occurring to those who visited his tomb were publicized. Aelfric's successors continued this building work on this great Norman church increasing the height of the tower and decorating the church with paintings and a pulpit above which was a crucifix of bronze, silver and gold. The Hidden Churches of Yorkshire, by Louise Simmons http://www.beverleyminster.co.uk/
	Bradford Cathedral (11th century) Bradford, West Yorkshire Bradford Cathedral is modest in comparison with many of the great and famous Cathedrals of England, but for well over a thousand years God has been worshipped here by the people of Bradford. Bradford Cathedral is full of rich history, from gruesome carved skulls to patterned stones from an ancient cross - an earlier former Anglo-Saxon Church built on the site. http://www.bradfordcathedral.co.uk/
	Dewsbury Minster (12th century) Dewsbury, West Yorkshire The Minster dates back to Anglo-Saxon times when the 7th Century missionary St Paulinus is said to have been visited Dewsbury. The Church includes a heritage centre and exhibitions on the church's colourful history, some unique Anglo-Saxon sculpture and medieval stained glass. Former Curate Patrick Bront‘ is commemorated with a plaque inside the Minster. http://www.dewsburyminster.org.uk/index.html http://www.kirkleesmc.gov.uk
Photo by Moira Allen	Ripon Cathedral (12th century) Ripon, North Yorkshire Today's church is in fact the fourth to have stood on this site. Saint Wilfrid brought stonemasons, plasterers and glaziers from France and Italy to build his great basilica in AD 672. Devastated by the English king in AD 948 as a warning to the Archbishop of York, only the crypt of Wilfrid's church survived but today this tiny C7th chapel rests complete beneath the later grandeur of Archbishop Roger de Pont l'Eveque's C12th minster. A second minster - built to minister the love of God to the local community Ð soon arose at Ripon, but it too perished Ð this time in 1069 at the hands of William the Conqueror. Thomas of Bayeux, first Norman Archbishop of York, then instigated the construction of a third church, traces of which were incorporated into the later chapter house of Roger's minster. The exceptional Early English west front was added in 1220, its twin towers originally crowned with wooden spires and lead. The minster finally became a cathedral (the church where the Bishop has his cathedra or throne) in 1836, the focal point of the newly created Diocese of Ripon - the first to be established since the Reformation. http://www.riponcathedral.org.uk
	Wakefield Cathedral (14th century) Wakefield, West Yorkshire The Church of All Saints serves a Diocese of a million people in West and South Yorkshire. Daily worship, many special services, and a notable tradition of liturgy and music characterize the life of this quiet oasis in the midst of a bustling city centre. The present building dates from the 14th century, and boasts a magnificent collection of stained glass by C. E. Kempe, much fine wood carving, and the tallest spire in Yorkshire. http://www.bigpicturesoft.com
Photo by Moira Allen	York Minster (13th century) York, North Yorkshire Most of the building that one sees above ground dates from the 13th century, and this is truly one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England. It offers splendid architecture, gorgeous stained glass, and loads of small details (carvings etc.). Perhaps the most fascinating part of the cathedral is below ground, however, in the archaeological cellar, which takes the visitor back to sections of the earlier buildings, including portions of the Roman fort that once stood on the site. Where Kings, Emperors and Saints Have Walked: York Minster, by Julia Hickey http://www.yorkminster.org