FRIENDS and family gathered at York Minster yesterday to celebrate the life of James Jarvis, a book-loving student of medieval history who died aged only 22.

James’s family told how the popular York student was close to completing an MA in medieval history at the University of York when he was found dead on July 12.

He was a fan of medieval re-enactment, teaching swordplay at the Medieval Society and acting in medieval amateur dramatics. Some of his friends attended the funeral in body armour, chain mail and full-length medieval dress.

James’s mother, Philippa Jarvis, said James died at “one of the happiest times of his life” having secured a place to start a PhD in museums history at Nottingham Trent University in October.

She quoted one of his oldest friends, saying James’s enthusiasm was “rampant” and that he was always trying new and quite risky things.

Mrs Jarvis said: “As a mum, my heart was often in my mouth. I can’t say I never interfered, but I tried hard not to. We are now drawing on his courage and his strength to get through this.

“We have always pulled together as a family and will continue to do so. I am so sad to lose James. But not totally surprised he died doing something risky.”

She said the family had received dozens of cards, letters and messages relating memories of James.

She said: “James was, is and always will be, very simply, my eldest son and I loved him to bits and I always will.”

The funeral also heard from James’s brother, Andrew, who said James had always looked out for him, and his father Paul, who cited anecdotes of how proud he was of his son’s knowledge at a recent battlefield conference.

The Minster service was led by the Rev Canon Glyn Webster, chancellor of York Minster, where James used to worship.

Guests were asked to contribute to a fund to help set up a bursary scheme in James’s name to help fund future students at the university.

An inquest into his death will take place in due course.