A PIECE of the 13th century Chapter House at York Minster will take pride of place in a new reflective garden being created at a York secondary school.

The Archbishop Tutu Spiritual Garden is being constructed at Archbishop Holgate's School, following the Archbishop’s visit in 2012.

At its centre is an open air teaching space, which will be used during break and lunch time for students to gather and chat, as well as during lessons and after school as a space for reflection and contemplation.

Now the school has been gifted a ‘unique and priceless’ piece of magnesian limestone by the Dean and Chapter of the Minster.

A spokesman said the stone was originally part of the Chapter House, which was completed in 1287. It still bears original 13th century claw chisel tool marks and was removed during recent restoration of the Chapter House.

The first phase of the garden project began this summer and included the building of paths, installing drainage and creating the central small amphitheatre.

Financial support for the garden has come from the Archbishop’s Fund for Mission, Foundation Governors, various local churches, the school’s PTA, former pupils associations, individual ex-pupils and current students through bun sales and other small events.

The school's chaplain, Richard Nihill, said the school was delighted to be creating a garden named in honour of a man who exemplified the schools values of Justice, Compassion, Forgiveness and Trust.

The spokesman said the full cost of the project had not yet been met and the school would welcome any individuals making a general donation or wanting to sponsor a bench or tree in the garden.