Howden Minster

Howden Minster dominates the local landscape with a 135ft tower that draws in visitors far and wide. The structure itself is steeped in a colourful history dating right back to Saxon times – if the walls could talk, they would have much to say about the fascinating people that have passed through it.

Today, the Minster is still used by locals and continues to be a welcoming space for worship, education, and community events. Keep reading for an introduction to the charming hallmark of our peaceful town.

Howden Minster’s chequered past

This Grade I listed building has a longstanding history. There are plenty of resources within the church itself that will tell you all about its Anglo-Saxon beginnings when it was a satellite of Peterborough Abbey. The church then became a collegiate, within the estate of the Bishop of Durham, becoming a parish church from the mid-16th century onwards. Since then, it’s gone through many states of repair and disrepair over its lifetime, with its spectacular ruins clearly visible from the Market Place today.

Most of the present structure that we see today was rebuilt in the 13th and 14th centuries, making it one of the most significant churches in the north of England built in a decorated, also known as geometric style. At the time, it was a bold and innovative design that many claim came from the work of masons from the Notre Dame de Paris and Westminster Abbey. Now, the ruined east end and chapter house fall under the guardianship of English Heritage.

John of Howden

The first senior canon appointed at the Minster was John of Howden. Once confessor to the queen and a noted poet, John quickly became a saint in the community due to his commitment to rebuilding Howden Minster. The town has celebrated his achievements on 2nd May every year since his death in 1275, where he was buried in a shrine within the Minster itself which survived until the 16th century.

What’s inside Howden Minster?

Today the church is used by local residents and is filled with wood from famous carver Robert (Mouseman) Thompson. If you look carefully, there are over 30 wooden mice hidden throughout the space. The Minster is also used for local gatherings and as a unique venue for live music.

In the grounds of the Minster you can find the Howden sculpture sequence, an installation from renowned sculptor John Marine R.A in 2002. The sequence incorporates the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire.

There’s no Howden without its Minster

The Minster is a huge draw to the town, but fortunately for us, lots of visitors then stay to appreciate Howden itself. The streets surrounding the church are paved with independent shops, eateries, and a local market. We invite you to spend the day exploring the wider areas including many of outstanding natural beauty.