Inspired by the carved grotesques high above us on York Minster, The Watchers of York are protective characters connected to different parts of the city’s story. Some watch over hidden corners, some over green spaces and waterways, while others keep an eye on the movement of people through York’s historic streets.
The arrival of the original stone guardian, named ‘The Watcher of York’, marks an important milestone for the inaugural city-wide sculpture trail launching in two weeks, from 29 June.
Each Watcher has its own personality and guardianship, reflected by the place where it stands. ‘The Watcher of York’ keeps close to York Minster. Some say the first Watcher has always been here, quietly watching from the shadow of York Minster. Carved from stone, it knows every story whispered beneath the Minster windows. While other guardians roam York’s streets and spaces, ‘The Watcher of York’ remains close to its ancient home, keeping watch over the city that inspired them all.
Together, the 12 sculptures will form an intimate trail across York, inviting residents and visitors to discover the city from a new perspective.
Inspired by York Minster’s medieval stone carvings
Launching from 29 June and running to 31 August 2026, The Watchers of York trail is being developed by Make It York in collaboration with York Minster.
The sculptures take inspiration directly from the remarkable carved grotesques of York Minster. Using detailed digital renders of historic stone figures, designers have developed four-foot-tall sculptures that feel both authentic and alive.
One of the original sources for the Watcher character is a medieval carving of a wyvern located on the South Quire of York Minster, dating from around 1400.
Rather than attempting a complete reconstruction of how the wyvern may once have appeared, the sculpture design carefully interprets what survives today, drawing on the visible stonework while respecting its historic origins.
This approach reflects the conservation philosophy used by York Minster’s stonemasonry team, where original carvings are repaired and consolidated wherever possible rather than replaced entirely. The original wyvern grotesque was recently cleaned and stabilised to help ensure its survival for another century and beyond.
The Watchers sculptures follow the same principle, bringing these ancient guardians back into view through respectful interpretation rather than reconstruction, allowing York’s medieval stone characters to watch over the city once again in a new form.
Rooted in heritage and brought to life through creativity, each sculpture is painted by a diverse mix of established artists, charities, community groups and art students. The result will be a distinctive and intimate public art experience celebrating York’s history, culture and creativity.
Find out more
Free trail maps will be available to pick up from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre.
Meet the Watchers, their guardianship, discover the artists and creators behind the sculptures, and follow the latest trail updates at: visityork.org/watchers-trail
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