Sarah Brown, director of the York Glaziers Trust, which carried out the restoration of the five panels displayed in the orb, said the minster was "a great treasure house of stained glass".

BBC: Metal York Minster 'orb' displays medieval stained glass

Trevor Lunn of the Alliance Party welcomed the funding and said he thought the attitude of other parties in the house meant that the minster was "damned if she does and damned if she doesn't".

BBC: Pre-School Places

The initial discovery of the remains provoked much debate in Britain as to what would happen with the body, if it were proven to be that of Richard III, with many calling for a state funeral at Westminster Abbey, and others backing a burial in York Minster, in keeping with the king's heritage as a member of the House of York.

CNN: February 4, 2013 -- Updated 2225 GMT (0625 HKT)