Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow, York
A modest yet powerful shrine in York’s Shambles honoring Saint Margaret Clitherow, the courageous Catholic martyr known as the Pearl of York.
Located at 35 Shambles in York, the Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow honors the courageous Catholic martyr known as the 'Pearl of York.' This modest chapel commemorates her steadfast faith during the English Reformation, where she sheltered priests and held secret Masses. The shrine offers a quiet space for prayer and reflection, preserving the legacy of a woman who sacrificed her life for her beliefs in 1586.
A brief summary to Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow
- 35 Shambles, York, YO1 7LX, GB
- +441904624767
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Attend the Saturday 10 a.m. Mass to experience the shrine’s active spiritual life.
- Visit the nearby Bar Convent to see a relic of Saint Margaret and learn more about Catholic history.
- Take time for quiet reflection inside the small chapel, which evokes the secret worship of the past.
- Explore the historic Shambles street to appreciate the medieval setting of the shrine.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the number 12 or 13 bus from York city center to the Shambles area; the journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently but check schedules for weekend service. Walking from the stop to the shrine involves cobbled streets and may be uneven.
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Walking
From York city center, the shrine is a 10-15 minute walk through historic streets. The route includes cobbled surfaces and narrow lanes, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The area is pedestrian-friendly but can be busy during peak tourist times.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from York railway station to 35 Shambles takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi services are widely available in York, with fares typically between £5 and £10.
Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow
A Heroine of Faith in Turbulent Times
The Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow stands in the heart of York's historic Shambles, a street once famed for its butcher shops and overhanging timber-framed buildings. Margaret Clitherow, born in 1556, converted to Catholicism in 1574 during the English Reformation, a period marked by intense religious persecution. Despite the dangers, she courageously harbored Catholic priests in secret chambers within her home and held clandestine Masses, defying laws that criminalized such acts.The Secret Sanctuary in the Shambles
Margaret's house, or a nearby one closely associated with her family, is now the site of the shrine. It preserves the memory of her quiet yet heroic resistance. Inside, a small chapel invites visitors to reflect on her life and sacrifice. The shrine’s simplicity echoes the perilous conditions under which she and other recusants practiced their faith. Mass is celebrated here every Saturday morning, continuing a tradition of worship that once had to be hidden.The Martyrdom and Legacy of the Pearl of York
In 1586, after a raid revealed the secret priest hiding place, Margaret was arrested and sentenced to death by pressing, a brutal punishment where heavy weights were placed upon her until she died. Her steadfast refusal to renounce her faith led to her martyrdom on March 25, 1586, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation. Canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI, who named her the 'Pearl of York,' Margaret remains a symbol of unwavering faith and courage.Commemorations and Related Sites
Beyond the shrine, a plaque on York’s Ouse Bridge marks the site of her execution. The Bar Convent, England’s oldest surviving convent, houses a relic believed to be her hand and offers further insight into the Catholic history of the region. Together, these sites form a pilgrimage route that honors the endurance of faith during persecution.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
The shrine offers a tranquil and intimate environment amidst the bustling medieval streets of York. Visitors can experience a sense of reverence and connection to history, enhanced by the chapel’s modest décor and the stories of secret worship and sacrifice. It is a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and learning about a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to inspire.Preservation of Faith and History
Managed by the Fathers of the Oratory, the shrine is open daily for private prayer and pilgrimage. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the Catholic community in York and the broader struggle for religious freedom in England. The site not only commemorates Margaret Clitherow but also honors all who suffered for their faith during a turbulent era in English history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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