Discover York Minster’s royal connections and collections through a new exhibition exploring the cathedral’s centuries-old relationship with the monarchy in celebration of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

The influence of the monarchy can be traced throughout York Minster’s history. From the humble baptism of King Edwin of Northumbria on Easter Day in 627 in a small wooden church built hastily for the service – the first York Minster, to HM Queen Elizabeth II’s glorious return to the cathedral to attend the Royal Maundy Service in 2012. Explore these royal events and how they have shaped life and worship at York Minster over the centuries.

See Great Seals used to authenticate important documents by previous monarchs, a Minster Police truncheon with royal arms, and a Bible owned by Elizabeth Woodville, queen of King Edward IV, or their daughter Elizabeth of York.

Other highlights include footage from the royal wedding of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent to his Yorkshire bride Katharine Worsley in York Minster in 1961 and Chinese silk gifted to Queen Victoria on her wedding day which has been transformed into burses and veils used in preparation for the celebration of Holy Communion.

Visitors can also try on regal robes, bear a crown and sceptre, and pose for a majestic photograph showing off their best royal wave.

The exhibition, which takes place in the cathedral’s Treasury, will run until the end of 2022.

Entrance to the exhibition is free with general admission – book your timed entry ticket here.