Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

MODEEN YOKE. 151
ently large. It is a building of stone covered with lead;
it is 22 feet 4 inches long, 21 feet 9 inches wide, and 10
feet 9 inches high ; and is divided into four aisles, each
about 1 7 feet 6 inches long, and 5 feet 6 inches high, and
5 feet 6 inches wide; on the sides of these are shelves on
which the business are deposited." There is one room
for searching for and examining Wills or Administrations ;
and there is a book kept in which all Wills and Adminis
trations passing through the office are entered. This book
was commenced in 1731; it has been continued to the
present time, and is arranged alphabetically in months
and years, specifying the names and places of abode of
testators. It can be searched by any person on payment
of a shilling. The average numbers of probates and Admistrations
which pass in this office annually, is about
1600 Wills, and 650 Administrations. This office is
within the jurisdiction of the Prerogative Court of York,
over which presides a judge, who is commissary and
keeper general of the Exchequer and Prerogative court,
official principal of the consistory, and vicar general and
official principal of the chancery Court of York. During
the fire of the 20th of May, 1840, in the Cathedral, the
Wills were removed from this office in carts, guarded by
soldiers; but sufFered no accident, and were afterwards
safely re-placed.
The records of the Dean and Chapter, are kept in a
building to the east of the south transept of the Minster ;
formerly known as Archbishop de la Zouch's chapel.
This building communicates with the church ; and was
not appropriated to its present purpose till the latter end
of the year 1840.
The Beddern, or retired place for prayer, was formerly
a college of vicar's school, attached to York Minster. It
is said to be built on the site of the palace of the Roman
emperors, and was dedicated to St. William. The chapel