The present minster dates from the late 12th century, replacing the building largely destroyed by fire in 1188 but a monastery had stood on or near the site since about 700, founded by Saint John of Beverley, Bishop of York. The site had become a major pilgrimage centre by the early 11th cenyury. Beverley itself was a major expirt site for wool to the Low Countries by 1200. The chancel, quire, transepts and first bay of the nave were complete by 1260, when building ceased until resumed about 1300 in the new Decorated style, being finished about 1400 with the magnificent Western Towers in Perpendicular, the forerunner for Westminster Abbey. The Minster was a Collegiate Church since before the Norman Conquest until its status was reduced to that of a parish church in 1548 and the College of Canons dissolved.
