Paying tribute to the real father of Christmas
Considering Constantine was proclaimed Roman emperor in York a good few years ago – AD 306 to be precise – the city took its time in marking the occasion. It wasn’t until 1998 that the York Civic Trust commissioned a statue of Constantine. Since then, the imposing bronze has become a familiar friend to locals, and the site of a thousand selfies.
Its location, on the York Minster piazza, is appropriate. The present minster would not arrive until a thousand years or so after Constantine’s accession, but it sits on top of the Roman basilica where the ceremony took place. He became emperor after his father, Constantius, died, on July 25, 306. Constantine’s loyal soldiers proclaimed him Caesar before anyone else could fill the vacancy. Their judgement was sound. Such was his impact that the emperor was to become known as Constantine the Great.
Info
Address York Minster piazza, Deangate, York YO1 7HH | Public Transport 8-minute walk from Monk Bar car park. Closest bus stop: Exhibition Square | Tip The Association of Voluntary Guides provide free tours of York every day except December 25. They start at Exhibition Square, take in the Minster, and finish in Shambles.
Under his leadership, the politically fragmented Roman Empire was united. And his faith in Christianity was to have a profound effect on European history. At this time only around 10 percent of the empire’s population was Christian, while most of the ruling elite worshipped the old gods of Rome. Not only did Constantine allow Christians to worship freely, helping to unite and promote the faith, he also instigated the celebration of the birth of Christ. So the man who was declared emperor in York … invented Christmas!
Philip Jackson, who sculpted York’s larger-than-life statue of Constantine, resisted the urge to tuck a sprig of holly behind his ear. Instead he undertook research to ensure the clothing and armour was accurate to the period, and so we see Constantine dressed in a leather toga, flowing robe, and armoured shin pads. One hand holds a sword, its broken blade resting on the plinth to form the shape of a cross – a fitting Christian symbol for the pioneer who sits next to York Minster.
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