The so-called Green Man motif, like the one on the left, is often found in medieval grotesques. An ancient symbol of rebirth, the Green Man is linked to spring, and earlier gods of the forest. Most generally, the Green Man is surrounded by leaves or branches. This Green Man lives in York Minster, beneath the
Articles from Month September 2025
York Minster Grotesques & Other Carvings
Over the years, I have visited York Minster many times. And I always see something unexpected, like this chap on the left. It seems uniquely appropriate that a creature such as this should be restrained by fencing in the Stonemasons’ Yard. The wide-eyed creature with pointed ears clutches his head while a frog crawls out