Ripon
Ripon
Ripon, a charming and historic city in North Yorkshire, England, is renowned for its rich heritage and picturesque settings. Situated near the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Historical Significance
- Ripon Cathedral: A central feature of the city, the cathedral boasts a history stretching back over 1,300 years. Its stunning architecture showcases a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. The cathedral has been a place of worship and a community focal point throughout the centuries.
- Ancient Origins: Ripon’s history dates back to the 7th century when it was founded by Saint Wilfrid. It played a significant role in the early Christian period of England.
- Ripon’s Market Square: The city’s market square is a hub of activity and history. It’s surrounded by historic buildings and hosts a market every Thursday, continuing a tradition that dates back centuries.
Cultural Aspects
- Ripon Hornblower: A unique tradition in Ripon involves the Ripon Hornblower, who sets the watch each evening at the obelisk in the market square, continuing a ritual that dates back to 886 AD.
- Museums: Ripon is home to several museums, including the Ripon Workhouse Museum, which offers insights into the Victorian era, and the Courthouse Museum, showcasing local judicial history.
Natural Beauty and Proximity to National Parks
- Yorkshire Dales: Proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park makes Ripon a popular base for exploring the rolling hills, serene valleys, and picturesque villages of the Dales.
- Rivers and Parks: The city is situated on the banks of the River Ure and is surrounded by beautiful parks and natural landscapes, ideal for walking, cycling, and picnicking.
Modern-Day Ripon
- Community and Lifestyle: Despite its historical roots, Ripon offers a vibrant community life with modern amenities, shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Events and Festivals: The city hosts various events throughout the year, including fairs, festivals, and cultural celebrations, which add to its lively atmosphere.
Ripon, with its blend of historical depth, cultural richness, and natural beauty, presents a unique and enchanting experience. It’s a city where history is palpable in every corner, yet it thrives with a contemporary spirit, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring North Yorkshire.
Created: 7 January 2024 Edited: 26 March 2024
Ripon
Local History around Ripon
There are some historic monuments around including:
Round barrow 350m south of Low BarnMarkenfield Hall moated medieval fortified house with associated service buildings and park paleMiddleton Quernhow HallBurtree Hill round barrowCastle Dikes defended Roman villaRound barrow 350m south east of Blois Hall FarmRipon Minster CloseHenge monument 300m north of NunwickEast Tanfield deserted medieval villageWallerthwaite medieval villageSt Anne's ChapelRound barrow 120m south of Low BarnRound barrow 150m east of Burtree HillHenge monument 500m north west of Low BarnMedieval monastic grange and site of medieval settlement at NinevahRound barrow 250m west of WallerthwaiteMarmion Tower (former gatehouse of Tanfield Castle fortified manor)Site of medieval chapel and section of Fountains Park park pale, 170m south west of How Hill FarmRound barrow 425m north west of Rushwood HallRound barrow at Moor HouseTanfield BridgeHutton Hall (site of)Ailey HillMedieval deer park pale surrounding Fountains ParkMedieval monastic fishponds immediately east of Park HouseRound barrow in Harland's PlantationFountains Cistercian Abbey; monastic precinct, mill, water management works, agricultural and industrial features and 18th century gardensRound barrow 300m WNW of Low Barn.Wildlife in and Around Ripon
Mammals found in Ripon
There have been 27 species of mammals recorded in the ripon area.
| 45 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) |
| Badger (Meles meles) |
| Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) |
| Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) |
| Domestic Cat (Felis catus) |
| American Mink (Neovison vison) |
| Brandt's Bat (Myotis brandtii) |
| Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) |
| Daubenton's Bat (Myotis daubentonii) |
| Fallow Deer (Dama dama) |
Tap here for more mammals found in and around Ripon
Birds found in Ripon
There have been 170 species of birds recorded in the ripon area.
| Bar-Headed Goose (Anser indicus) |
| Barn Owl (Tyto alba) |
| Bean Goose (Anser fabalis) |
| Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) |
| Black-Headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) |
| Bar-Tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) |
| Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) |
| Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) |
| Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) |
| Black-Tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) |
