Every time we visit York Minster I see something new and interesting. The Minster is, of course, always gorgeous and spectacular so we enjoy spending time exploring and glorying in the beauty and awe of the building. On this occasion I was fascinated by the Quire or Rood Screen.
The Quire Screen in York Minster was designed in 1420 (yes 1420!) and features 15 statues of the Kings of England from William the Conqueror to Henry VI. From left to right, the statues are William I (the Conqueror), William II (Rufus), Henry I, Stephen, Henry II, Richard I (Lionheart), John, Henry III, Edward I, Edward II, Edward III, Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V, and Henry VI.
The Screen separates the transept and nave areas from the choir (Quire). It is asymmetrical as sculptor, William Hyndeley, had to accommodate the fifteen nearly-life-size statues of English kings from William the Conqueror to the time of the screen creation in the reign of the child king Henry VI. Most likely, Henry VI ruined the symmetry when his statue was added at the last minute when Henry V died unexpectedly in 1422.
I was mesmerised by the Screen and thought it would be an excellent aide-memoire to helping one remember the Kings and Queens of England. A sort of early version of Charlie Higson's excellent book!