York Minster's master stonemason recalled the night the cathedral caught fire in 1984, as an exhibition was unveiled to honour the occasion - 40 years on.
Master Mason Emeritus John David was a resident in the Minster's precinct at the time of the fire.
On the night of July 9, 1984, a lightning strike struck the south transept of the Minster.
"I was awoken at two o'clock in the morning by a neighbour who was a landlord in the local pub," John said.
"He rang the doorbell incessantly and woke me and my wife up and basically said the south transept's on fire so we went to have a look."
YOU’LL FIND MORE ON THIS STORY AND OTHERS AT www.yorkpress.co.uk OR PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE NEWSPAPER ITSELF AVAILABLE SIX DAYS A WEEK AT YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT

Wallace and Gromit and Friends Are Coming to the York Barbican!
Dirty Dancing in Concert at York Barbican in May, 2026
Ripon Grammar School Students Celebrate Oxbridge Places
Harry Styles Themed LNER Train for Wembley Concerts
Gelato Lounge in Market Weighton Gets Zero Hygiene Rating
2026 Kirkbymoorside Gateway to the Moors Music Festival
New Book Festival Coming to York
MP Visits York Against Cancer's Leveson Centre


