Ripon’s world famous Cathedral has received an early Christmas present from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), it was announced today. The grant will be used for an exciting scheme designed to transform the experience for visitors to the Cathedral.
The first Ripon Cathedral was founded in 672 AD and pilgrims and visitors have been welcomed for over 1,350 years. Since 1154 when work on the present building began, it has grown many times over the centuries and today stands as a complex structure, rich in history and architecture. Its stones capture the stories of more than 13 centuries, from when Saint Wilfrid first built his basilica in 672, to when the Minster finally became a cathedral in 1836 as the focal point of the first new diocese to be established since the Reformation. The HLF grant will help untangle the wealth of wealth of architectural, geological, social and archaeological heritage at the site and reveal parts of the cathedral currently hidden from view.
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. Keith Jukes, said: “‘I, and my colleagues on Chapter, are overwhelmed by the generosity of the Heritage Lottery Fund. This grant will help open up the treasures of the Cathedral to all that come and visit which hitherto, because of the inadequate wiring and lighting, they have not been able to enjoy. We hope that once the project is completed by the end of next year, we will be revealing over 1350 years of Yorkshire heritage both for ourselves and future generations.”
Areas of key historical significance will be revealed using a sympathetic lighting scheme. This will include details of the stonework, the Saxon Crypt, the medieval Choir Stalls, the Nottingham alabasters, the sacred silver and ironwork. Apprentices will be invited to learn how to undertake electrical work in historic buildings, creating a legacy of future skilled workers.
An investigation of Gilbert Scott’s Restoration of Ripon Cathedral and the Victorian architect’s influence on the Medieval Minster will also be carried out, potentially revealing new architectural secrets.
The illuminations and investigations will be complemented by activities designed to create more opportunities for people to explore the history of the Cathedral. A wide range of local groups, organisations and artists will come together to work with Cathedral staff on the three year programme.
Planned interactive heritage events include ‘Discover Ripon Day’, a medieval arts pilgrimage, Angels and Dragon Tours and school workshops on Victorian Memorials and Medieval Misericord. Other highlights will include an oral history project capturing the voices of community groups from Ripon and a photography project culminating in exhibitions at the cathedral. Local school children will help produce a children’s book on the history of Ripon and the Cathedral. Links with famous names such as Lewis Carroll will also be brought to life.
Many dedicated volunteers work at the Cathedral and they will now have the chance to receive additional training. New volunteers will also be recruited, while local students will undertake heritage volunteering work placements leading to a vocational qualifications.
Fiona Spiers, Heritage Lottery Fund Manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, said:
“Ripon Cathedral means so much to individuals and communities, not only for its religious significance, but also as a place of beauty and a marker of key moments in personal or national history. Today’s news will create a host of new opportunities for visitors to explore the medieval Minster, through a scheme that embraces the whole of the Ripon community and offers something for everyone.”
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