Howden Minster DN14 7BS
Entry: Free for Everyone
Open: seasonal - check website
Reviews: 0

About:
St Peter’s Church at Howden was originally an Anglo-Saxon foundation. Following the Norman Conquest it was granted by William I to Durham Priory. In 1267, after a failed attempt to set up a monastic community, the Bishop of Durham made arrangements for the church to become collegiate, that is, served by a body, or college, of priests known as canons, who did not belong to a religious order. The church was endowed with six nearby parish churches – Howden, Barnby, Thorpe, Skelton, Saltmarsh and Skipwith – to provide income for the community. In the 1270s the building of the new church began and by 1306–11 the west front was complete. Between 1320 and 1340 a new aisled choir was built. The ornate chapterhouse was constructed in two phases from the 1340s, its completion being funded by Walter Skirlaw, Bishop of Durham (1388–1406). Parts of Skirlaw’s manor house still exist south-east of the church, now fronted by a later elegant Georgian facade, with a large medieval moat and fishpond in the park beyond. In the late 15th century the minster’s great landmark tower was completed.

Dogs:
Dogs on leads are welcome.

Parking:
On street pay and display parking is available in the town.

Facilities:
There are public toilets and plenty of places to eat and drink in Howden.

Notes:
Limited accessibility for wheelchairs.

Contact:
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 3331181