York Minster tops visitor league

More than one million people came to York Minster in 2003

York Minster attracted more visitors last year than any other cathedral in England, latest figures show.

Some 1.16m people passed through its doors in 2003, English Heritage says, pushing Canterbury Cathedral into second place with 900,000 visitors.

Nearly nine million visited the 42 Anglican cathedrals in England.

English Heritage said the figures were "evidence of the substantial economic and social contribution made by cathedrals in their local communities".

Economic boost

About one third of the visitors to York Minster were from overseas, with 10% coming from the US, said the report.

"This offered a powerful economic boost to the city," English Heritage said.

Its contribution to the local community also reaches into the classroom, with 40,000 schoolchildren visiting last year on educational trips.

Meanwhile, the number of worshippers attending services rose by 3%.

English Heritage chief executive Simon Thurley said: "Our cathedrals are at the very heart of England's heritage and, as this new study shows, their contribution reaches far beyond bricks and mortar.

"In an increasingly complex world, these great edifices are vital forces for social cohesion and focal points for both celebration and mourning, not just in their cities, but in the large areas they serve."