York Minster awarded £10m Lottery grant for restoration

York Minster, one of the country's most important historical buildings, is to receive a £10m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for urgent work needed to restore crumbling parts of its structure.

The building, which is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, was earmarked for the money after its condition was judged critical. The stonework, which was begun in the late 14th century, is fragile and its east side is noticeably tilting. Also at risk is the Great East Window, which is the largest stretch of medieval stained glass in the world. The intricate window, created by John Thornton of Coventry between 1405 and 1408, originally cost £56 to make (an amount now equivalent to £23,885.53).

The money raised by the Heritage Lottery Fund will go towards an existing £19m appeal to restore and transform the landmark for visitors.

Among those expressing relief and excitement at the decision last night was Dame Judi Dench, who was born in York and is a long-standing supporter of the cathedral. "It's marvellous news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has been so generous and ensured that the vital restoration work of this most wonderful and iconic building will now take place," she said.

The actress added: "I was born in York and the Minster is particularly dear to my heart. It's also the backdrop to my theatrical heritage, as I had my acting debut there in the fifties when I performed in the Mystery Play."

Restoration has already begun on the Great East Window, but the money will also go towards the training of a new generation of skilled craftspeople and volunteers. The hope is that they will prevent traditional trades, such as stone masonry and stained-glass conservation, from dying out. It will be the largest project of its kind, with five stone masons and three stained-glass restorers taken on as apprentices over the five-year period of work.

The Dean of York, the Very Rev Keith Jones, said the news was wonderful for the cathedral. "York Minster is one of the world's greatest buildings, and now the Heritage Lottery Fund is helping us not just to keep it standing, but provide a dazzling experience for millions of people", he said. "This is great for us all, and especially for York, for Yorkshire, and the North. It also puts us on the map at a time when the whole world will be coming to Britain. Now we can make the Minster a place of which we can be even more proud."

James Purnell, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "York Minster is a magnificent building and an important part of British history. This grant will undoubtedly make an important difference to the preservation of one of our greatest landmarks so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come."

The full restoration project is expected to take 15 years.