THE battle to preserve York Minster in the face of the British weather will be the subject of a public lecture at the University of York tonight.

Architect Andrew Arrol will use his lecture to explain how climate conditions combined with pollution and poor stone selection damages the magnesian limestone used to build York Minster.

He will also explore the challenges this poses to those charged with preserving historic structures and the difficult choices they sometimes face between simply trying to preserve the existing fabric of the building or carrying out more radical work that maintains its design.

Mr Arrol is surveyor of the fabric at York Minster and has overseen the restoration of the building’s East Front. He has almost 40 years experience in the conservation of stone on medieval buildings, including as cathedral architect at Chester Cathedral.

Mr Arrol’s lecture will start at 7pm in room C/A/101 in the department of chemistry. Admission is free and open to all.