Saint Cuthbert, the North’s favourite saint, is closely connected to Melrose, where he trained as a monk, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne off the Northumberland coast, where he dedicated his life to God as monk, hermit and bishop and Durham Cathedral, where his shrine is located. And he also has a strong connection with York Minster.
The great Saint Cuthbert window in the Minster depicts the life and miracles of Cuthbert, who became known as the Wonder Worker of Britain and who was consecrated as Bishop of Lindisfarne in 684AD. The 70ft high window, one of the three great windows in the East End, is currently undergoing restoration by the Minster Glaziers.
Cuthbert was born in 634AD in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria (which extended from the River Humber in the South to the Firth of Forth in the North) and was venerated for his wisdom, piety, kindness and devotion. Many stories are told of his miracles, but his most impressive one came 11 years after his death in 687, when his coffin was opened in order to place his bones in a reliquary. His body was found to be incorrupt, a sure sign of sainthood, and for hundreds of years thereafter, Cuthbert was the most important saint in Britain.
Until the restoration of the Cuthbert window is completed, you can find other traces of Cuthbert in the Minster. The Chapel of Saint Cuthbert is at the South West end of the Nave and there’s a lovely little statue of him on the South West pillar of the crossing.
Article contributed by Christine Goodwin, Yorkshire Blue Badge Guide: https://yorkshiresbestguides.co.uk/project/christine-goodwin/
