Keeper of light held in ancient glass

Artist: Caitlin Smith   

When sunlight streams through York Minster's stained-glass windows, the Keeper of Coloured Light comes alive. It gathers fragments of York's history: Vikings, chocolate makers, racegoers and ghost stories. It pieces them together in a kaleidoscope of colour.

Location: High Petergate
W3W: ///type.ranged.super

Keeper of the city's heart, watching over every corner

Artist: York Against Cancer

This guardian reflects the strength, courage and support found within York's community. Inspired by the work of York Against Cancer, it watches over those facing life's toughest challenges and celebrates the people who help them through. A symbol of hope and resilience, it reminds us that no one should face cancer alone.

Location: St Helen’s Square
W3W: ///take.critic.basin

Overseer of Shambles Market

Artist: Ishleen Kaur 

Long before the market stalls arrived, each morning, the Merchant Keeper was already there. By day it watches over traders, shoppers and colourful displays, while by night it guards the empty streets beneath glowing signs and lantern light. Hidden among its design are echoes of market life through the ages, celebrating the people, places and traditions that continue to make Shambles Market what it is today.

Location: Shambles Market
W3W: ///retain.native.tags

Keeper of care, compassion and connection in the city

Artist: York and Scarborough Hospitals Charity 

Look closely and you'll see that this guardian is made up of many hands, each representing someone who has cared, comforted, supported or given their time to help others. From hospital staff and volunteers to families and donors, every hand tells a story. The Many Hands Guardian celebrates the power of people coming together, showing that care is strongest when it is shared.

Location: King’s Square
W3W: ///crowd.coast.sofa

Holding centuries of voices within the city

Artist: the777paradox 

The walls of Bedern Hall have heard countless stories and the Keeper of Voices remembers them all. Every eye upon its surface represents a different tale, performance or memory from York's past. From medieval feasts to Mystery Plays, whispered conversations to grand speeches, this guardian gathers the voices of generations and ensures they are never truly forgotten.

Location: Bedern Hall
W3W: ///daisy.dime.oiled

Sculpture viewable in the courtyard at all times. To get close to the sculpture, Bedern Hall is open: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10:30-15:30.

Keeper of study, scholarship and discovery

Artist: Catya Elise Ledezma   

The Scholar's Keeper watches over those who seek knowledge, protecting the stories, books and discoveries that shape our understanding of the world. Covered in fragments of text and learning from the archieves of York Minster itself, it celebrates York's long tradition of scholarship and reminds us that curiosity is one of the city's greatest strengths.

Location: York St John University
W3W: ///tries.venue.gazed

If main gates are closed, you can still access through the campus.

Watching over York's streets when night falls

Artist: Hannah Jayne Lewin

As the city settles and the daylight fades, the Watcher of the Night begins its rounds. From rooftops and riversides to quiet gardens and busy streets, it keeps watch over York beneath the stars. Guided by moonlight and accompanied by the creatures of the night, it sees a different side of the city. One that’s filled with wonder, mystery and unexpected beauty.

Location: York Theatre Royal courtyard
W3W: ///ledge.pushy.backed
Accessible entrance W3W: ///loudly.chain.mimic

Protector of growing things and ancient stone

Artist: Rue Robinson

Tucked within the Library Lawn, the Garden Guardian nurtures the delicate balance between nature and the city. Wherever roots find space between stone and wildflowers bloom unexpectedly, this guardian is never far away. Inspired by growth, renewal and the beauty of the natural world, it quietly watches over York's green spaces, helping them flourish through every season.

Location: Library Lawn
W3W: ///factories.until.ozone

The lawn is open: Monday - Thursday: 09:00-20:00, Friday: 10:00-18:00, Saturday: 09:00-17:00, Sunday: 11:00-16:00.

Guardian of the Ouse and Foss

Artist: Ali Elly 

Where York's two rivers meet, the River Watcher waits beneath the water's surface. Fish weave through its wings, reeds bow at its feet and the river carries stories from far beyond the city walls. It has watched floods come and go, seen wildlife return to the riverbanks, and quietly protects the waters that have shaped York for centuries.

Location: North Street Gardens
W3W: ///rinse.artist.posts

Keeper of York's wild and wandering flowers

Artist: Gill Prendergast 

The Warden of Wild Blooms is rarely seen in a hurry. Wrapped in foxgloves and surrounded by colour, it stands patiently among the flowers that thrive where they choose. It watches over York's unexpected pockets of nature, encouraging wild things to grow and wander.

Location: The Milner York garden
W3W: ///decent.bared.swing

Guardian of York's ancient gates, watching the city's boundaries

Artists: Rachael and Phillippa Corcutt

The Gatekeeper welcomes all who arrive in York. Standing proudly at the railway station, it serves as the city's gate guardian, greeting travellers before they begin their journey through York's historic streets. Inspired by the four great Bars that have watched over the city for centuries, it continues their tradition of offering both protection and a warm welcome to all who pass through.

Location: York Train Station 
W3W: ///mops.rescue.walks

The original stone guardian, keeping close to York Minster

Artist: Norse Sky 

Some say the first Watcher has always been here, quietly watching from the shadow of York Minster. Carved from stone and rooted in Deans Park, it knows every story whispered beneath the Minster windows. While other guardians roam York's streets and spaces, the Watcher of York remains close to its ancient home, keeping watch over the city that inspired them all.

Location: Dean’s Park
W3W: ///dame.valley.bucked

Dean's Park is open: 07:00 to dusk daily. Times can vary and are dictated by events.