FOR the next month, visitors will have the rare chance to see just how spacious one of the country's most magnificent cathedrals really is.

The nave of York Minster, which was begun in 1280 and took about 70 years to complete, was yesterday cleared of all its 800 chairs.

The nave replaced a Norman structure built by Thomas of Bayeux.

In medieval times, it was used for a wide variety of purposes. Markets were held there and in the 1500s there were even complaints about boys using the area as a football stadium.

One of the finest features of the nave is its floor, which only becomes properly visible when all the chairs are cleared - and which can only be done at this quiet time of the year.

The floor dates from the 1730s, when Lord Burlington and William Kent repaved the minster in black and white marble with a striking key pattern in classical style.

It was not until the latter half of the 19th Century that the nave was finally lit and heated, allowing it to be used for large services and for musical events.

The nave will remain empty of chairs until February 16.