Photo of the collapsed column as found by archaeologists beneath the Minster

The statue by the South Door of the Minster shows Constantine the Great who was proclaimed Emperor of Rome, here in York, in AD306. This event, which changed the course of world history, probably happened in the headquarters of the Roman fortress, which was built on the site where the Minster now stands. This enormous building was unearthed in the 1960s, when it was discovered that the Minster Tower might collapse, and work was begun to strengthen its foundations. Underneath archaeologists discovered the large pillar, which now stands opposite the statue. Constantine was the first Roman Emperor to become a Christian, and it was he who decreed that Christmas should be celebrated - it seems appropriate that this magnificent church now stands on the spot where he was made Emperor 1700 years ago.