Lords of the flies

Sunday column

Halfway up a historic tower in York, we are neither up nor down. At the top you will have views of a city steeped in antiquity, made and remade by Romans, Normans, Vikings, Tescos.

Below, you will find a retired minister happy to tell you all about this most astonishing of cathedrals, and who will pick up your accent and want to quiz you about the fine…