'They died that we might live': York Minster remembers city's World War One fallen

The King's Book of York Heroes

A unique memorial to the citizens of York who fell in the First World War has gone on display at York Minster. 

The King's Book of York Heroes commemorates 1,447 local people killed in action, including the last reported British soldier to be killed in the Great War, George Edwin Ellison.  

Ellison enlisted at the start of the war in 1914 and is reported to have fallen just before the 11am ceasefire on 11 November 1918. 

The 9st 4lb book contains the names of the fallen, as well as their biographies and individual photographs.

It forms the centrepiece of the cathedral's display, 'They died that we might live', commemorating the centenary of World War One. 

The display brings together photographs, letters and personal items to tell the story of those who fought in the conflict. 

Among the items on display is the communion set used by Dean Eric Milner-White when he served on the Western Front.  

"The new display is part of a four year programme of remembrance at York Minster to mark the centenary of the First World War," explains York Minster's Collections Manager Vicky Harrison.

"York Minster has a number of important monuments to people who died during the conflict but the Kings Book of York Heroes is believed to be unique, not only in the region but nationally because of the fact it includes individual photographs of the fallen.

"We hope the display will encourage visitors to learn about the story of York Minster and the First World War, which is one of courage, sacrifice and remembrance."

News
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better

In 2008, Wilson Femayi was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He had just graduated from Bible college. His arrest — the result of a personal vendetta — was a devastating moment. But even in that dark place, God was at work. Today, Wilson is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe, leading programmes that are restoring prisoners and reuniting families across the country.

Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds
Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds

A new report from International Christian Concern (ICC) has revealed a disturbing rise in violence against Christians across parts of Africa, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Kenya experiencing a surge in attacks, abductions, massacres and forced displacements.

Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul
Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul

It's easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, or even afraid when the world seems to spin out of control. But as believers in Christ, we are not left to face these storms alone.

Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab
Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab

A new policy brief released by Open Doors has exposed as a systematic campaign of repression against Christian communities in Nicaragua.