From our archives:

85 years ago

The restored crypt in York Minster was re-opened by the Archbishop of York, who also consecrated the new altar, placed in the crypt by the Girls’ Friendly Society.

The Crypt had been restored as a memorial chapel through the generosity of the family and relatives of General Sir John Maxwell and Lady Maxwell, whose ashes were buried there.

The work had been going on for about three years.

The excavations have brought to light many interesting features, such as foundations of the bases of the pillars which had been hidden for centuries.

A fine engineering feat was in operation at Selby, due to construction work taking place on the LNER Company’s bridge which was in much need to be strengthened.

The bridge was closed to traffic, with more than 200 trains from east to west and from north to south being diverted.

50 years ago

Students picketed lecture theatres and class rooms at York University as they began a one-day strike in protest against the Government’s proposed increase of overseas student fees.

Students going in were handed leaflets urging them to support the boycott of lectures and seminars arranged by the Students.

Engelbert Humperdinck was top of the pops. His recording of Release Me had ousted Petula Clark as chart leader after only one week.

But Engelbert’s tenancy at the top was likely to be short; The Beatles were coming up super-fast.

EMI had put the first 250,000 copies of The Beatles’ latest in a special cover, carrying a photograph that looked almost like a Christmas card.

20 years ago

One man was killed and another was fighting for his life after an explosion ripped through an East Yorkshire furniture factory.

Rescuers clawed through the rubble of a devastated boiler room at Hygena Kitchens and Bedrooms in Howden to try to find survivors.

Flooding in York was believed to have peaked, with the River Ouse rising to 4.2 metres on the gauge board at Ouse Bridge.

Skeldergate was among the roads that were closed as flooding also affected the footpath between Clifton Bridge and Scarborough Bridge.

The Duchess of Kent was responding well to treatment for the chronic fatigue condition ME and was due to resume public duties.

The news came from St James’s Palace as the Duchess was celebrating her 64th birthday on a private engagement aboard.