St John studied at Whitby Abbey and later became bishop of Hexham and then of York.
During his lifetime a number of miracles took place and after his death his tomb was visited by thousands of pilgrims. Many miracles of healing were recorded.
Until the 16th century the tomb of St John at Beverley and St Cuthbert in Durham were the great centres of pilgrimage in the North of England.
Tradition tells us that St John of Beverley was born in Harpham, a village near Beverley. He died in 721 and his remains were buried in the Saxon church of the monastery he had founded which was on this site at that time. Many believe that his tomb has never been moved.
The building of the present church began in the late 12th century and finished in about 1400. It was built round the tomb of St John.
A prayer for Pilgrims
Teach us, O God, to view our life here on earth as a pilgrim’s path to heaven,
and give us grace to tread it courageously in the company of your faithful people.
Help us to set our affections on things above, not on the passing vanities of this world,
and grant that as we journey on in the way of holiness we may bear a good witness to our Lord,
and serve all who need our help along the way.
