The Roman Column
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Standing in Minster Yard, this 7.6-metre grey gritstone column is one of York's most tangible links to its Roman past. Originally erected around 100 AD by the Ninth Legion and later reused by the Sixth Legion in the 4th century, the column was discovered buried beneath York Minster in 1969 and reassembled in its present location in 1971 to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of York's founding. It is believed to have stood in the headquarters building where Constantine was declared Emperor in 306 AD, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in Roman Britain.
A brief summary to Roman Column
- 11 Minster Yard, York, YO1 7HH, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and capture better photographs in softer light.
- Bring a camera to capture the column from multiple angles, particularly with York Minster as a backdrop.
- Combine your visit with a tour of York Minster's undercroft, where a companion column from the same Roman building is displayed.
- Consider joining a guided Roman tour of York to gain deeper context about the column's original location and significance within the fortress of Eboracum.
- Read the information plaque on-site to learn about the column's discovery in 1969 and its reassembly in 1971.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
Getting There
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Walking from York Railway Station
From York Railway Station, walk towards the city centre following signs for York Minster. The route takes approximately 15–20 minutes on foot. Head along Station Road, then continue onto Blossom Street. Follow the pedestrian signs directing you towards the Minster. Upon reaching York Minster, enter Minster Yard where the Roman Column is located on the right side of the courtyard. The column is free to view and accessible at all times.
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Walking from The Shambles
From The Shambles, walk towards the top of the street and proceed onto Parliament Street. Continue straight until you reach St Helen's Square. Turn right onto Duncombe Place and follow the road as it leads to York Minster's entrance. Enter Minster Yard and the Roman Column will be visible on your right. This walk takes approximately 5–10 minutes.
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Walking from Museum Gardens
Exit Museum Gardens and turn left onto Marygate. Walk down Marygate until you reach Bootham Street, then turn right and follow Bootham as it approaches York Minster. Enter Minster Yard where you will find the Roman Column. This route takes approximately 10–15 minutes and passes through pleasant residential areas of historic York.
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Bus from York City Centre
Several local bus routes serve the city centre near Minster Yard. Journey times from the railway station are typically 5–10 minutes depending on traffic and route. Buses stop near York Minster; from the bus stop, it is a short walk of 2–3 minutes to Minster Yard. Single fares cost approximately £1.50–£2.50 GBP. Check local transport maps for current routes and timetables.
Roman Column location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Roman Column
A Monument to Roman York's Imperial Legacy
The Roman Column stands as a remarkable survivor of York's Roman era, when the city was known as Eboracum and served as the headquarters of the Sixth Legion. Originally constructed around 100 AD by the Ninth Legion, this cylindrical column of grey gritstone was later incorporated into a grand Roman building during the 4th century. It is believed that this very structure—of which the column was once part—witnessed one of history's most pivotal moments: the declaration of Constantine as Roman Emperor in 306 AD. The sheer scale of the original building can be inferred from the column's impressive dimensions alone, standing at 7.6 metres tall, suggesting a structure of considerable architectural grandeur that would have dominated the Roman fortress.Discovery and Resurrection: From Buried Ruin to Public Monument
For nearly two millennia, the column lay hidden beneath the foundations of York Minster, collapsed and broken. In 1969, archaeologists excavating the south transept of the Minster made the remarkable discovery, unearthing the fragmented stone sections that had been buried since the Roman period. The find was significant enough to warrant careful conservation and public display. In 1971, the Dean and Chapter of York Minster donated the column to the York Civic Trust, which undertook the painstaking work of reassembling the surviving stone sections and re-erecting them in Minster Yard. This restoration was timed deliberately to mark the 1900th anniversary of York's founding by the Romans in 71 AD, transforming an archaeological curiosity into a civic monument. The column was subsequently listed as an English Heritage Grade II listed building in 1983, securing its protection for future generations.The Enigma of the Upside-Down Monument
One of the column's most intriguing characteristics is the persistent belief among historians and visitors alike that it stands upside down. Whether this is the result of the reassembly process or an intentional choice remains a matter of scholarly debate, but it adds an element of mystery to the monument. The column's cylindrical form and the way it sits upon its square plinth create a striking visual presence that draws photographers and history enthusiasts alike. Its placement just outside York Minster, in the heart of Minster Yard, ensures that it remains one of the most accessible and visible reminders of Roman Britain, visible to thousands of visitors each year who pass through this historic precinct.Architectural and Historical Significance
The column represents far more than a simple decorative element; it is tangible evidence of the sophisticated Roman military and administrative infrastructure that once dominated northern Britain. The fact that it was part of a building grand enough to host imperial ceremonies speaks to York's importance within the Roman Empire. The column's survival, despite centuries of burial and the destructive forces of time, testifies to the durability of Roman engineering and craftsmanship. Its grey gritstone construction, typical of Roman work in Britain, contrasts with the medieval stonework of York Minster that now towers above it, creating a visual dialogue between two great periods of the city's history. For visitors, the column offers a direct physical connection to an era that shaped Britain's identity and left an indelible mark on York's urban landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
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