The Minster, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire
Beverley Minster is one of the finest Gothic churches in England. It was originally founded during the 8th century. The present Minster was built in the period 1220-1425. The stone used throughout is limestone, mostly from Tadcaster near York. The minster is named for St John of Beverley whose tomb drew large numbers of pilgrims to the church. By 1377 Beverley was one of the dozen largest towns in England because of this. By the time of the Reformation it was known as the Collegiate Church of St. John the Evangelist and had several chantry chapels. The Minster was allowed to survive dissolution in 1548 because as well as being a collegiate church it had also served as a parish church.
