The largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world

What is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world? It is the east window of York Minster. This Anglican cathedral serves as the seat of the archbishop of York. Was it built in the Gothic style? Mostly, it was constructed during the 1200 to 1300.

Where does the history begin? The first record of a church on the site dates to 627. It was a wooden structure built hurriedly to provide a place to baptise Edwin, King of Northumbria. By 670, was the structure a mess? It was dilapidated, so Saint Wilfrid repaired and renewed it with leaded roofs, glass windows, and rich furnishings. Then came 741. Was there a fire? The Annals of Yorkshire suggest it may have been damaged or destroyed. Did Archbishop Egbert do something about it? He took it entirely down after the fire and rebuilt it in the most magnificent style.

Why did things get violent by the 1000s? The building became a target. William the Conqueror's forces ravaged the town and made St Peter’s Minster a disgrace. Did another fire follow? Later that year, invaders attacked the city, resulting in a fire that burned the cathedral. Did the Norman Minster rise from the ashes? Building began in 1080 and was completed before 1100.

What can you see today? You can see the result of these historical layers. The minster retains most of its medieval stained glass. Is there a crowning jewel? The east window, which depicts the Last Judgment, remains the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons