Column Approximately 4 Metres North East Of Number 9 Minster Yard

The Roman Column in Minster Yard is a single gritstone column standing beside York Minster, in the heart of the walled city of York. Officially recorded as the "Column approximately 4 metres north east of Number 9 Minster Yard", it is a Grade II listed structure and one of the most tangible reminders that York began life as a Roman fortress town.

What is the Roman Column in York?

The column once belonged to the Roman headquarters building of the fortress, the administrative centre of the garrison. It formed part of the north-east colonnade of that building. According to the listing record, it was originally built around 100 AD by Legion IX. Later, in the 4th century, Legion VI re-assembled and reused it, so the stone carries more than one phase of Roman history.

Today it is a cylindrical column of gritstone with a moulded base, a damaged moulded capital and a square plinth beneath it. The official listing gives its height as roughly 9.5 metres, though some tourist sources quote a smaller figure, so treat any single number with a little caution.

How did it end up beside the Minster?

The column was excavated from beneath York Minster in 1969, during investigations under the great church. It was then given to the City of York to mark the 1900th anniversary of the city's foundation, traditionally dated to around 71 AD. It was erected at its present location in 1971.

That means the monument you see is both an ancient object and a modern commemoration: Roman in origin, but placed in Minster Yard as a deliberate tribute to the city's age.

Why is it listed?

The structure was first listed on 24 June 1983 and the entry was last amended on 14 March 1997. It carries Grade II status (List Entry 1257260). The York Historic Environment Record also catalogues it as a column from the north-east colonnade of the Roman headquarters building.

Is it worth a stop?

If you are already visiting York Minster, yes. It takes only a few minutes, costs nothing and sits in the open air. It pairs well with a walk around the Minster precincts and gives context to the story of Roman Eboracum that lies beneath the modern streets.

Practical tips

• Location: Minster Yard, right next to York Minster, within the city walls.
• Access: an outdoor monument, visible at any time.
• Time needed: 5 to 10 minutes.
• Best for: history lovers, photographers and anyone curious about Roman Britain.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the column? It dates from around 100 AD, with reuse recorded in the 4th century.

Where did it come from? It was part of the Roman headquarters building's colonnade and was excavated beneath York Minster in 1969.

When was it put up where it stands now? In 1971.

Is it free to see? Yes, it stands outdoors in Minster Yard.

Why is the name so long? It is the formal heritage-listing description, which locates the column by its distance and direction from a nearby building number.