Metadata
WORK ID: YFA 5844 (Master Record)
Title | Year | Date |
MINSTER | c.1975 | 1972-01-01 |
Details
Original Format: Standard 8 Colour: Colour Sound: Silent Duration: 8 mins 15 secs Credits: Bill Thompson, York Film Unit Subject: Architecture |
Summary This film, made by Bill Thompson member of the Apollo Junior Cine Club, focuses on York Minster as the seasons change from winter to the height of tourist season in the summer. The film was made in CinemaScope, a widescreen format which became popular in the late 1950s and 1960s. |
Description
This film, made by Bill Thompson member of the Apollo Junior Cine Club, focuses on York Minster as the seasons change from winter to the height of tourist season in the summer. The film was made in CinemaScope, a widescreen format which became popular in the late 1950s and 1960s.
The film begins with footage taken from a plane as it flies over the surrounding countryside of York. The aerial shots then focus in on York Minster. This is followed by footage taken from the Minster tower...
This film, made by Bill Thompson member of the Apollo Junior Cine Club, focuses on York Minster as the seasons change from winter to the height of tourist season in the summer. The film was made in CinemaScope, a widescreen format which became popular in the late 1950s and 1960s.
The film begins with footage taken from a plane as it flies over the surrounding countryside of York. The aerial shots then focus in on York Minster. This is followed by footage taken from the Minster tower overlooking the city. St. Mary’s Abbey ruins can be seen in the distance.
Titles – A Bray House Film
in CinemaScope
Minster
The Minster is filmed from a variety of vantage points starting in the winter. A light dusting of snow covers grassy areas nearby. Similar shots are filmed as the seasons change from winter to spring. The trees and cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
More footage is taken from the Minster tower overlooking different parts of the city. These include: York Magistrates and Clifford’s Tower, towers associated with York’s Power Station, Monkbar and the old York County Hospital, and the new hospital and Rowntree’s buildings. There is a final shot of York Minster, taken from the war memorial on Station Road, before the film moves onto summertime.
Now filmed from ground level, school children cross the road at Deangate and head towards the Minster. Many tourists are gathered around the Minster and its grounds, and footage is filmed from a number of vantage points capturing the hustle and bustle of York Mister as a tourist attraction. There are many people seated on benches in the gardens who relax and enjoy the sunny day.
A crowed has gathered to watch street performers outside St. Michael le Belfry church. Two musicians, one with a guitar and another with an accordion, play for the dancers that perform. This is followed by a comedy act. There are many more shots of people and passing traffic around the Minster, taken in quick succession. The film ends with shots of the stained glass windows taken from inside the Minster.
Title – Minster
Title – The End
Context
York’s famous Minster is the subject of this beautifully shot – in CinemaScope, no less – film made by an amateur group of cine enthusiasts. The group were always keen to add an unusual element to their productions, evidenced in this case by the opening shots taken from a plane. It’s interesting to note the lack of people in the winter section of the film; today, York is a year-round tourist destination, with little distinction in visitor numbers across the seasons.
The construction of the...
York’s famous Minster is the subject of this beautifully shot – in CinemaScope, no less – film made by an amateur group of cine enthusiasts. The group were always keen to add an unusual element to their productions, evidenced in this case by the opening shots taken from a plane. It’s interesting to note the lack of people in the winter section of the film; today, York is a year-round tourist destination, with little distinction in visitor numbers across the seasons.
The construction of the Minster as we know it today began in 1220 and was officially completed in 1472. Since then, it has withstood all manner of challenging situations, not least during the Reformation in the 16th Century, when the Church of England broke away from the authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. The building has also survived four fires, the most recent being in the early hours of 9th July 1984, when lightning struck the South Transept roof and the flames could be seen as far away as Scarborough on the East Coast. Restoration took 4 years, at a cost of £2.25m, and included the repair of the stained-glass Rose Window, which had cracked in 40,000 places after reaching temperatures of 450C. |