Explanations ranged from UFOs to divine retribution, but North Yorkshire Fire Brigade's report to the Home Office confirmed that lightning was the most likely cause.

There was also criticism that smoke detectors had been set too low in the roof to provide early warning of the fire. Afterwards �350,000 was spent on installing modern fire alarms.

After much debate, the South Transept roof was rebuilt with a hand carved wooden replica and the cracked glass of the rose window was painstakingly restored with additional reinforcement.

Six of the transept ceiling bosses were designed by the winners of a competition run by the BBC children's programme, Blue Peter.

Hundreds of people gave their support, which ranged from cash donations to oak trees.

It took four years to complete repairs - costing �2.25m - and the Minster was finally re-dedicated in a service attended by the Queen in November 1988.