York Minster faces a �600,000 annual shortfall

Charges, along with a proposal to close the Minster's library, have been put forward in a bid to reduce the cathedral's �600,000 annual deficit.

The outgoing Dean Dr Raymond Furnell - who retires at the end of the week - made the controversial decision after voluntary donations failed to plug the financial shortfall.

One option open to Dr David Hope, the second most powerful figure in the Church of England, is to invoke 1,400-year-old powers to block the introduction of charges.

He is fully aware of the depth of feeling in some quarters Rev Rob Marshall

The power, called "Visitatorial Rights" dates from the 6th Century and would allow the Archbishop to enter York Minster accompanied by a High Court Judge and a financial adviser to conduct an independent investigation into the management of the Minster.

He could then issue a report instructing the Dean how to manage the Minster's accounts, allowing him to block the controversial charges.

The power, which is thought never to have been invoked before, would require the Archbishop to make his visit in full episcopal regalia, complete with purple cassock, mitre and crosier.

Dr Hope's spokesman the Reverend Rob Marshall stressed no decision had yet been made.

Library protest

He said: "Dr Hope has not yet made a final decision on the course of action.

"He is fully aware of the depth of feeling in some quarters.

"He has received hundreds of letters and messages from people all over the world.

"His greatest concern is the pastoral well being of the Minster as well as the financial aspect."

On Saturday, around 50 people gathered at the Minster to protest at the proposed closure of the library which houses more than 120,000 books and documents.