Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Lasting Tribute at York Minster

Three years on since the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, folk across the country are still pausing to reflect on her life of service. Seventy years on the throne is no small feat, and the late Queen carried it with dignity, strength, and a quiet sense of duty that never wavered.

Here in York, we’ve a special reminder of her legacy. Standing proudly above the west front of York Minster is a statue of Queen Elizabeth II. The first permanent statue of her to be commissioned after her death in 2022.

Carved from limestone and standing two metres tall, the Queen is shown in her robes of the Order of the Garter, holding the orb and sceptre. It’s a powerful image of service and tradition, but also a gentle presence watching over the city she visited many times during her reign.

Originally planned to mark her Platinum Jubilee, the statue became something even more significant after her passing, a lasting memorial to Britain’s longest-serving monarch. And there’s no finer place for it than York Minster, a building that has stood at the heart of northern life for centuries.

For locals, it’s a point of pride. For visitors, it’s a chance to pause, look up, and remember. Either way, the statue is more than just stone, it’s a reminder of a monarch who gave her life to duty, and whose memory still feels very present today.

So next time you’re in the city, make sure you take a stroll to the Minster. Look up at the west front, see the Queen standing proudly in stone, and soak in the history all around you. Visit York Minster, and you’ll not only be stepping into centuries of heritage, but also paying quiet tribute to a monarch who shaped our times.

Plan Your Visit to York Minster

📍 Location: Deangate, York YO1 7HH
🕙 Opening Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 9.30am – 4.00pm
• Sunday: 12.45pm – 3.15pm
  (Opening times can vary on special services — always check ahead.)

🎟 Tickets:

• Adults: £16.50
• Students/Seniors: £15.00
• Children (0–16): Free with a paying adult
  Your ticket is valid for 12 months, so you can return as often as you like.

🌐 More Info & Tickets: yorkminster.org