Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

MODERN YORK. 47
buted bountifully towards its re-edification, reciting in the
indulgence, " that, whereas the Metropolitical Church of
York was consumed by a new fire, and almost subverted,
destroyed, and miserably despoiled of its ornaments."
Still, for four and thirty years, nothing was effected.
In the year 1171, Archbishop Roger rebuilt the choir, with
its vaults. In 1227, Archbishop Walter Grey, according
to the custom of the times, issued indulgences, urging the
faithful to aid him in his effort to beautify the Cathedral ;
and, with the money thus obtained, erected the sooth
tbansept as it now stands, where a beautiful monument
to his memory forms a conspicuous object. During the
reign of Henry III., the nobth transept was commenced
by Johnle Romayne, and completed a. d. 1260 ; by which
ecclesiastic, who held the office of treasurer to the Minster,
a handsome tower, in the place now occupied by the lantern
tower, was erected. His son, John le Romayne, afterwardsbecoming
archbishop, and, inheritinghis father's zeal,
laid the foundation of the nave on the 17th of April, 1291 ;
and, as appears from a table in the vestry, the nave, the
majestic facade at the west end, with two towers, were
completed in about forty years after that date, by the
munificence and energy of Archbishop le Romayne, and
his successor, Archbishop Melton. The latter liberally
expended large sums from his private purse, and had
recourse to indulgencies, granting forty days relaxation to
all contributors. The materials for building the nave were
supplied by Robert de Vavasour, who granted the use of
his quarry, near Tadcaster, not only for building but for
the future reparation of the edifice ; and by Robert de
Percy, lord of Bolton, who allowed the timber for the
roof, &c., to be taken from his wood at Bolton. Statues,
both at the eastern and western ends of the Cathedral,
record their benefactions.
In 1361, Archbishop John Thoresby, laid the founda
tion of the present choir ; the old choir, built by Arch
bishop Roger, not corresponding with the more elegant