THE public can purchase a piece of York Minster history today, at the annual Stoneyard auction, writes Charlotte Wainwright.

For the first time, timber charred by the 1984 fire will be auctioned, alongside pieces of stone removed from the Minster during conservation work.

Some timbers still contain original paint and gilt-work, and have been specially branded with the York Minster logo as a sign of authenticity.

In all, 120 items will be auctioned, with proceeds going towards future restorations.

Highlights this year include a grotesque, an angel figure from the East End of the Minster, and two pinnacles, each between four and five-feet tall.

Other items will include sections of stone taken from the ‘tracery’ of the Great East Window, and smaller, individual pieces that will be available to purchase at a fixed price.

John David, Master Mason at York Minster, said: “We raised £20,000 last year, and we’re hoping to do the same again.”

Joyce Jackson, a member of the public looking to buy a piece today said: “I want one to put in the garden.”

Sale items can be viewed from 10am to noon today in Dean’s Park. The table-top sale of small items is at 11.30am and the main auction at 12.30pm.