1829 – February 1st, Jonathan Martin attended the evening mass, during which he was disturbed by a buzzing sound coming from the organ, he was able to hide and later set fire to hymn books and chairs in the choir, destroying that part of the Minster.
He was arrested 5th February and was found not guilty on the grounds of insanity, therefore detained at Bethlem Royal Hospital, until his death in 1838.
Following this fire, the Minster Police force was established.
1840 – A second fire, this time in the nave, was caused by a careless workman, who had left a candle burning in the southwestern tower. The Minster Police were able to raise the alarm, but roof here had to be replaced.
Fortunately drawings had been made of the bosses in this area, so they could be replicated, however it is said, that one design offended the Victorians, and where the Virgin Mary had previously been breast feeding Jesus, in the new version, she has a feeding bottle!!
1984 – The Rose window in the south gable was very badly damaged, with hair-line cracks from the intense heat, but each panel was taken down and carefully restored. Some panels were temporarily on display in the Chapter House.
This article was first written in PastSearch Newsletter Issue 10 – October 2013
Illustrated Talks about these fire can be booked for your group.