Cities
United Kingdom York North Yorkshire Memorial

Constantine the Great Statue

About

The Statue of Constantine the Great stands outside York Minster in Minster Yard, commemorating one of the city’s most significant historical moments. It was here in AD 306 that Constantine was proclaimed Roman Emperor following the death of his father, Constantius Chlorus, while campaigning in Britain. Designed by sculptor Philip Jackson and unveiled in 1998, the bronze figure depicts Constantine seated in military dress, his left hand resting on the pommel of a broken sword and his right arm extended behind him in a gesture of contemplation. The inscription on its base reads “By this sign conquer,” recalling the vision of the cross that Constantine later claimed inspired his conversion to Christianity and his support for the faith across the empire. The statue’s placement beside a surviving Roman column creates a powerful dialogue between York’s ancient past and its enduring Christian heritage. Today, it serves not only as a striking work of public art but also as a reminder of York’s role in shaping the course of European history.

York United Kingdom
Constantine the Great Statue
Location

The Statue of Constantine the Great is located on Minster Yard, directly outside York Minster in the city centre. This striking bronze statue, created by Philip Jackson and unveiled in 1998, depicts the Roman emperor seated on his throne and commemorates his proclamation as Roman emperor in York in AD 306. Nearby, visitors can explore York Minster itself, the historic Minster Quarter including St Michael le Belfrey Church, and the Treasurer’s House. The statue occupies a prominent position within York’s historic core, surrounded by cultural landmarks, bustling pedestrian areas, and the city walls, making it a significant landmark in the city’s Roman heritage.

York Castle Museum York Castle Museum Museum Jorvik Viking Centre Jorvik Viking Centre Museum Yorkshire Museum Yorkshire Museum Museum National Railway Museum National Railway Museum Museum York Art Gallery York Art Gallery Gallery Richard III Experience at Monk Bar Richard III Experience at Monk Bar Museum Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar Museum Merchant Adventurers’ Hall Merchant Adventurers’ Hall Museum Fairfax House Fairfax House Museum York Theatre Royal York Theatre Royal Theatre Grand Opera House York Grand Opera House York Theatre Joseph Rowntree Theatre Joseph Rowntree Theatre Theatre Friargate Theatre Friargate Theatre Theatre According to McGee Gallery According to McGee Gallery Gallery Blue Tree Gallery Blue Tree Gallery Gallery Art of Protest Gallery Art of Protest Gallery Gallery The Pyramid Gallery The Pyramid Gallery Gallery Clifford’s Tower Clifford’s Tower Historical Landmark York City Walls York City Walls Historical Landmark Micklegate Bar Micklegate Bar Historical Landmark Bootham Bar Bootham Bar Historical Landmark Walmgate Bar Walmgate Bar Historical Landmark York Minster York Minster Cathedral St Michael le Belfrey Church St Michael le Belfrey Church Church Holy Trinity Church Holy Trinity Church Church St Martin le Grand Church St Martin le Grand Church Church St Denys’s Church St Denys’s Church Church Shambles Shambles Street Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate Street Shambles Market Shambles Market Market Multangular Tower Multangular Tower Historical Landmark St Mary’s Abbey St Mary’s Abbey Abbey York Observatory York Observatory Observatory Roman Column Roman Column Historical Landmark Treasurer’s House Treasurer’s House Historical Landmark The Mansion House The Mansion House Tourist attractions Museum Gardens Museum Gardens Park Rowntree Park Rowntree Park Park Homestead Park Homestead Park Park Dean’s Park Dean’s Park Park