ONE of the most important pieces of stained glass in the world has been restored.

Work on the superb St William Window in York Minster has finally been completed - and the glass, hidden from view for a decade, will go on public display once more.

The Dean and Chapter of York will celebrate the completion of the ground-breaking work with a series of events timed to coincide with St William's Day, on Friday, June 8.

The window depicts the miracles of St William of York, including what is said to be the only miracle attributed to him that took place during his lifetime - when St William returned triumphantly to York, a crowd gathered on the wooden Ouse Bridge, the bridge collapsed under the strain of the crowd, but no one was hurt as St William blessed the crowd.

Dr Christopher Norton has undertaken extensive research and the panels have been worked on by the skilled craftspeople of the York Glaziers Trust.

Over the centuries, the window - one of the world's finest pieces of medieval stained glass - has been mended many times, using lead that has gradually obscured the window. Now, the skills of the York Glaziers Trust have been used to remove many of those heavy lines to show the window much as it was when it was new in the early 15th century.

The research and new techniques have been ground-breaking and will prove invaluable as the Dean and Chapter of York prepare to restore York Minster's Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval glass in the world.

The Very Rev Keith Jones, Dean of York, said: "The huge window as restored is amazing, and sets the scene for the even greater challenge of the East Window. It shows what we can do."

On Thursday, June 7, and Friday, June 8, the Dean and Chapter of York will hold solemn Evensongs, to which all are welcome.

At 7pm on June 7, Dr Norton will give a lecture in the Tempest Anderson Hall, at the Yorkshire Museum, entitled The St William Window Unveiled: The Rediscovery Of A Medieval Masterpiece.

Tickets for the lecture are free and available from the development office on 01904 557245.

The Evensong, on June 8, will be held in the nave and among those attending will be people who have donated to the restoration of the St William Window.


About the St William Window

The window was almost certainly finished in 1414. It is a huge expanse of glass in the North Quire Aisle of York Minster.

The window illustrates in pictures the miracles of St William - William Fitzherbert, who was Treasurer of York Minster between 1112 and 1114.

William was consecrated Archbishop of York in 1143, deposed in 1147 and then reinstated in 1154. He died the same year. The cult of St William grew during the 1200s as pilgrims visited his tomb and reported miraculous healings.