 Dr David Hope is to become a parish priest |
The Archbishop of York has come face to face with a stone carving of himself at a medieval abbey. Dr David Hope viewed the carving which is due to be mounted on the north-east corner of Selby Abbey as part of a multi-million pound restoration scheme.
It depicts him wearing his ceremonial mitre and replaces an eroded piece of decorative stonework.
The carving commemorates his time as archbishop, a post he leaves next year to become a parish priest in Ilkley.
Centuries of faith
Carver Alan Micklethwaite, of Hull firm Quibell and Son, was present at the unveiling along with David Fraser, regional director of English Heritage and Dr Sophie Forgan of the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Dr Hope said: "Selby Abbey is witness to centuries of faith and prayer and it's humbling to become a part of that.
"At least after I have moved on I shall be keeping more than an eye on the abbey."
Dr Hope became Archbishop of York in 1995 and is to leave in February.