Several cathedrals in Europe , such as Strasbourg , and in England at York , Lincoln and Southwell , are referred to as Minster ( German : MÃ 1\/4 nster ) churches , from Latin monasterium , because the establishments were served by canons living in community or may have been an abbey , prior to the Reformation . Several cathedrals in Europe , such as that of Strasbourg , Essen , Freiburg i.B. , and in England at York , Lincoln and Southwell , are referred to as Minster ( German : MÃ 1\/4 nster ) churches , from Latin monasterium , because the establishments were served by canons living in community or may have been an abbey , prior to the Reformation .