Ripon Cathedral – Its History And Architecture

Author: Bill Forster, Bill Robson & Jennifer Deadman
Price: £12
Publisher: William Sessions
Edition: 1st edition
Publication Date: 1993
Format: Original wrappers
Condition: Very good plus

Description: Octavo. Original wrappers. pp.150. The detailed and well-illustrated history. Binding nice and tight. Pages nice and clean. A very good plus, tight, clean copy. Location: OSR 002825

Ripon Cathedral: A Short History

Overview and Setting

Ripon Cathedral, located in the city of Ripon, North Yorkshire, is one of England’s oldest and most historically significant ecclesiastical buildings. Dedicated to St Peter and St Wilfrid, it serves as the seat of the Bishop of Leeds and is part of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds. The cathedral stands as a living monument to the development of Christianity in northern England, with architectural features spanning from the early Saxon period to the Gothic revival.

Origins in the Early Church (7th Century)

The foundations of Ripon Cathedral lie in the Anglo-Saxon period, when Christianity was spreading through the north of England following missionary efforts from both Celtic and Roman traditions.

• In 672 AD, St Wilfrid, the powerful Bishop of York and a key proponent of Roman Christianity, founded a stone church at Ripon. It was one of the earliest stone-built churches in England, constructed in the Roman basilica style, reflecting Wilfrid’s continental influences.
• The crypt of this original church survives to this day and is one of the oldest intact Christian structures in Britain. It served as a small shrine or oratory and is a rare example of early Christian architecture.

Destruction and Norman Rebuilding (10th–12th Centuries)

Over the centuries, Ripon’s early minster church suffered from Viking raids, local warfare, and political instability.

• In the 10th century, the original structure was damaged and subsequently rebuilt.
• Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, a more substantial church was constructed by the Normans, reflecting their broader programme of ecclesiastical consolidation and architectural renewal.
• By the early 12th century, Ripon was home to a thriving collegiate church, served by a chapter of secular canons and supported by a growing market town.

Gothic Transformation (13th–15th Centuries)

The majority of the present structure of Ripon Cathedral dates from the 13th to 15th centuries, when it was rebuilt and extended in the Gothic style. Major developments included:

• Early English Gothic west front, with its twin towers and lancet windows, completed in the 1220s.
• The nave and choir, rebuilt in the 13th and 14th centuries, showcasing rib-vaulting and decorated tracery.
• Perpendicular Gothic elements, such as the east window, added in the 15th century.
• St Wilfrid’s crypt was retained as a sacred centrepiece throughout.

Ripon became a centre of pilgrimage and religious music, with its choristers and organists earning a lasting reputation. The church also maintained a vibrant link with local communities through guilds, education, and charitable works.

Reformation and Civil War (16th–17th Centuries)

The English Reformation under Henry VIII and his successors led to the dissolution of monasteries and chantries, including many collegiate churches. In 1547, Ripon’s collegiate status was abolished, and the church’s income and lands were confiscated by the Crown.

Despite this, the building remained in use as a parish church, and local support ensured its survival. During the English Civil War, the cathedral suffered damage at the hands of Parliamentarian troops, who defaced or removed many religious fittings.

Restoration and Cathedral Status (19th Century)

The 19th century saw a revival in religious interest and historical preservation, and Ripon Minster benefitted from this renewal.

• Major Victorian restorations were carried out, including repairs to the nave, tower, and windows.
• In 1836, Ripon was granted full cathedral status, becoming the seat of the newly created Diocese of Ripon—the first new Anglican diocese since the Reformation.
• This elevation restored Ripon’s ecclesiastical importance and initiated further improvements, including the establishment of schools and diocesan institutions.

20th Century to Present

Throughout the 20th century, Ripon Cathedral remained a focal point of worship, civic life, and cultural identity for North Yorkshire. It continued to develop its reputation for:

• Choral music, including a prestigious boys’ and girls’ choir.
• Liturgical events and state occasions.
• Engagement in local charity, education, and heritage tourism.

In 2014, the Diocese of Ripon was merged into the Diocese of Leeds, making Ripon one of three cathedrals (alongside Leeds and Wakefield) within the new diocesan structure. Despite this, it continues to function as a fully active cathedral, maintaining its distinct identity and community role.

Architecture and Notable Features

• West Front: One of the finest examples of Early English Gothic architecture, with five tall lancet windows.
• St Wilfrid’s Crypt: A 7th-century chamber, small and austere, symbolic of early Christian piety.
• Choir Stalls: Exquisite 15th-century woodwork, including medieval misericords, renowned for their carved detail and whimsical imagery.
• East Window: A grand example of Perpendicular Gothic tracery, often bathed in colour from modern stained glass.
• Organ and Bells: A historic organ and a ring of twelve bells contribute to Ripon’s musical and ceremonial life.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Ripon Cathedral is a living expression of over 1,350 years of continuous Christian worship. Its survival through invasion, Reformation, civil war, and social change is a testament to its spiritual resilience and the devotion of its custodians.

As a place of pilgrimage, artistic inspiration, and community gathering, Ripon Cathedral stands among the most historically resonant religious sites in England.

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