View source for Ripon

{{Short description|City in North Yorkshire, England}}
{{About|the city in England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox UK place
| official_name            = Ripon
| type                     =[[City status in the United Kingdom|City]]
| country                 = England
| region                   = Yorkshire and the Humber
| static_image_name        =  {{multiple images | border=infobox | perrow =  1/2/2 | total_width=270px | align = center
| image1 = Market Place Ripon.jpg
| caption1 = Market Place
| image2 = Ripon Cathedral - geograph.org.uk - 5344897.jpg
| caption2 = [[Ripon Cathedral]]
| image3 = Cabmen's shelter, Market Square, Ripon - geograph.org.uk - 2075967.jpg
| caption3 = Cabmen's Shelter
| image4 = Newby Hall-geograph-4538609-by-Chris-Heaton.jpg
| caption4 = [[Newby Hall]]
| image5 = Fountains Abbey - geograph.org.uk - 7277260.jpg
| caption5 = [[Fountains Abbey]]
}}
| static_image_width       =
| static_image_2_name      = Coa Ripon.svg
| static_image_2_caption   = Coat of arms
| static_image_2_width     = 100px
| area_footnotes           =
| area_total_sq_mi         = 
| area_total_km2           = 
| population               = 16,702
| population_ref           = ([[United Kingdom Census 2011|2011 census]])<ref name="2011 census"/>
| population_density       = 
| os_grid_reference        = SE312714
| coordinates              = {{coord|54|08|10|N|1|31|25|W|type:city_region:GB-NYK|display=inline,title}}
| label_position           = bottom
| post_town                = RIPON
| postcode_area            = HG
| postcode_district        = HG4
| dial_code                = 01765
| constituency_westminster = [[Skipton and Ripon (UK Parliament constituency)|Skipton & Ripon]]
| civil_parish             = Ripon
 <!-- you can use the template {{mi to km|(enter data)|precision=0}}  to help convert miles to km automatically; both are displayed -->
| london_distance_mi       = 227
| london_direction         = SSE
| unitary_england          = [[North Yorkshire District|North Yorkshire]]
| lieutenancy_england      = [[North Yorkshire]]
| website                  = [http://www.ripon.org/ www.ripon.org] 
| parts_type = Areas of the city
| p1 = [[Bridge Hewick]]
| p2 = [[Hutton Conyers]]
| p3 = [[Littlethorpe, North Yorkshire|Littlethorpe]]
| p4 = [[North Lees]]
| p5 = [[Sharow]]
| p6 = [[Studley Roger]]
}}

'''Ripon''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|r|ɪ|p|ən}}) is a [[cathedral city]] and [[civil parish]] in [[North Yorkshire]], England, at the confluence of two tributaries of the [[River Ure]], the [[River Laver|Laver]] and [[River Skell|Skell]], noted for [[Ripon Cathedral]], which is architecturally significant, as well as the [[Ripon Racecourse]] and other features such as its market.

The city was originally known as ''Inhrypum''. Bede records that Alhfrith, king of the Southern Northumbrian kingdom of Deira, gave land at Ripon to [[Eata of Hexham]] to build a monastery and the abbot transferred some of his monks there, including a young Saint [[Cuthbert]] who was guest-master at Ripon abbey.<ref name="Radice ed 1965">{{cite book|title=The Age of Bede |editor-last= Radice|editor-first=Betty |year=1965|publisher=Penguin Classics|isbn=978-0-14-044727-9}}</ref> Both Bede in his Life of Cuthbert and Eddius Stephanus in his Life of Wilfred<ref name="Radice ed 1965"/> state that when Eata was subsequently driven out by Alhfrith, the abbey was given to Saint [[Wilfrid]] who replaced the timber church with a stone built church. This was during the time of the [[Angles (tribe)|Anglian]] kingdom of [[Northumbria]], a period during which it enjoyed prominence in religious importance in Great Britain. It was for a period under [[Viking]] control, and later suffered under the [[Normans]]. After a brief period of building projects under the [[House of Plantagenet|Plantagenets]], the city emerged with a prominent [[wool]] and cloth industry. Ripon became well known for its production of [[spur]]s during the 16th and 17th centuries, but would later remain largely unaffected by the [[Industrial Revolution]].

Ripon is the [[List of cities in the United Kingdom|third-smallest city]] in England and the smallest in [[Yorkshire]], by population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkshireguides.com/ripon.html|title=Ripon|website=www.yorkshireguides.com|access-date=19 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422053345/http://www.yorkshireguides.com/ripon.html|archive-date=22 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the [[United Kingdom Census 2011|2011 United Kingdom Census]] it had a population of 16,702,<ref name="2011 census">{{NOMIS2011|id = 1170217073 |title = Ripon Parish | access-date = 7 January 2019}}</ref> an increase on the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 United Kingdom Census]] figure of 15,922.<ref name="2001 census">{{NOMIS2001|id = 1543510418 |title = Ripon Parish |access-date=7 January 2019}}</ref> It is located {{convert|11|mi|km}} south-west of [[Thirsk]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} south of [[Northallerton]] and {{convert|12|mi|km}} north of [[Harrogate]]. As well as its racecourse and cathedral, Ripon is a tourist destination because of its proximity to the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] which consists of the [[Studley Royal Park]] and [[Fountains Abbey]].

==History==
{{See also|History of Yorkshire}}

===Northumbrian and Viking period===

During its pre-history the area which later became Ripon was under the control of the [[Brigantes]], a [[Britons (historical)|Brythonic]] tribe. Three miles (5&nbsp;km) north at Hutton Moor there is a large circular [[Earthworks (engineering)|earthwork]] created by them.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=13}} The [[Roman Britain|Romans]] did not settle Ripon, but they had a military outpost around {{convert|5|mi|0}} away at [[North Stainley]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=14}} Solid evidence for the origins of Ripon can be traced back to the 7th century, the time of the [[Angles (tribe)|Anglian]] kingdom of [[Northumbria]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=14}} The first structure built in the area, known at the time as '''''Inhrypum''''', was a [[Christian church]] dedicated to [[St Peter]], with the settlement originating in 658.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=13}} This was founded by [[Wilfrid]], a Northumbrian nobleman, who later became [[Archbishop of York]]; he was granted the land by King [[Alhfrith of Deira|Alhfrith]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=17}}

The earliest settlers were stonemasons, glaziers and plasterers that Wilfrid brought over to help construct the Ripon monastery, from [[Lyon]] in [[Francia]] and Rome which was then under [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine rule]].<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.ripon.org/history.php|title =Ripon History|publisher =Ripon.org|access-date =1 February 2009|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090330194406/http://www.ripon.org/history.php|archive-date =30 March 2009|url-status =live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.wilfrid.com/Wilfrid_pilgrimage/ripon.htm|title =Ripon|publisher =Wilfrid.com|access-date =1 February 2009|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090607061613/http://www.wilfrid.com/Wilfrid_pilgrimage/ripon.htm|archive-date =7 June 2009|url-status =live}}</ref> The years following the death of Wilfrid are obscure in Ripon's history. After the invasion of the [[Great Heathen Army]] of [[Norsemen|Norse]] [[Viking]]s in Northumbria, the [[Danelaw]] was established and the [[Jórvík|Kingdom of Jórvík]] was founded in the [[Yorkshire]] area.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=19}} In 937, [[Athelstan of England|Athelstan]], then [[King of England]], granted the privilege of sanctuary to Ripon, for a mile around the church.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discoverripon.org/page/about_ripon.html|title=About Ripon|work=Discover Ripon|publisher=Ripon City Council|access-date=26 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232219/http://www.discoverripon.org/page/about_ripon.html|archive-date=2 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> One of his successors was less well-disposed: after the Northumbrians rebelled against English rule in 948, King [[Edred of England|Edred]] had the buildings at Ripon burned.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=19}} Prosperity was restored by the end of the 10th century, as the body of Saint [[Cuthbert of Lindisfarne|Cuthbert]] was moved to Ripon for a while, due to the threat of [[Danes (Germanic tribe)|Danish]] raids.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=19}}

===Normans and the Middle Ages===
[[File:Ripon Cathedral (geograph 5374696).jpg|thumb|[[Ripon Cathedral]]]]
After the [[Norman conquest of England|Norman conquest]], much of the north rebelled in 1069, even trying to bring back Danish rule; the suppression that followed was the [[Harrying of the North]], which resulted in the death of approximately one-third of the population of the [[North of England]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|pp=19–20}} Ripon is thought to have shrunk to a small community around the church following the suppression.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=20}} The lands of the church were transferred to [[York Minster|St Peter's Church]] at York as the [[Liberty of Ripon]] and it was during this time that a grand [[Ripon Cathedral|Collegiate Church]] was built on top of the ruins of Wilfrid's building. Eventually developed in the [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style, the project owed much to the work of [[Roger de Pont L'Evêque]] and [[Walter de Gray]], two [[Archbishop of York|Archbishops of York]] during the [[House of Plantagenet|Plantagenet]] era.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=20}} During the 12th century Ripon built up a booming [[wool]] trade, attracting Italian trade merchants, especially [[Florence|Florentine]]s, who bought and exported large quantities.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=43}}

Ripon's proximity to [[Fountains Abbey]], where the [[Cistercian]]s had a long tradition of sheep farming and owned much grazing land, was a considerable advantage.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=43}} After English people were forbidden from wearing foreign cloth in 1326, Ripon developed a cloth industry which was third in size in Yorkshire after York and [[Halifax, West Yorkshire|Halifax]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=43}} Due to conflict with [[Kingdom of Scotland|Scotland]], political emphasis was on the North during the time of [[Edward I of England|Edward I]] and [[Edward II of England|Edward II]], as Scottish invaders attacked numerous northern English towns.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=60}} Ripon had a wakeman to make sure the residents were safely home by [[curfew]] and law and order was maintained; however, it was forced to pay 1,000&nbsp;[[Mark (money)|marks]] to the Scots to prevent them from burning down the town on one occasion.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=60}}

===Reformation and Tudor times===
[[File:FountainsAbbey-Wyrdlight 893.jpg|thumb|[[Fountains Abbey]]]]
Ripon, which relied heavily on its religious institutions, was badly affected by the [[English Reformation]] under the [[Tudor dynasty|Tudor]] king [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|pp=73–74}} The [[Abbot]] of Fountains, William Thirske, was expelled by Henry and replaced; Thirske went on to become one of the leaders of the [[Pilgrimage of Grace]] [[Popular revolt in late medieval Europe|popular rising]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=74}} The people of Northern England were quite traditional in their beliefs and were unhappy about Henry's intention to break with Rome; the Pilgrimage of Grace was the manifestation of this sentiment.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=74}} The revolt failed and Henry followed through with the break from [[Roman Catholic Church|Rome]] and the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]], which included [[Fountains Abbey]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=74}}

After [[Mary, Queen of Scots]], fled Scotland to [[Northern England]] she stayed at Ripon on her journey.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=74}} The mainly Catholic North supported her, and there was another popular rising known as the [[Rising of the North]]; this began six miles (10&nbsp;km) away at [[Topcliffe, North Yorkshire|Topcliffe]] and was led by [[Thomas Percy, 7th Earl of Northumberland|Thomas Percy]], the 7th [[Earl of Northumberland]] and [[Charles Neville, 6th Earl of Westmorland|Charles Neville]], the 6th [[Earl of Westmorland]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=74}} The rebels stayed at Ripon on 18 November 1569, but the rising eventually failed resulting in 600 people being executed, 300 of whom were [[hanged]] at Gallows Hill in Ripon during January 1570.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=74}}

Plans were drawn up to make Ripon a centre of education, a ''University of the North'', to rival [[Oxford]] and [[Cambridge]]. Although chief advisers [[William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley|Lord Burghley]] and [[Edwin Sandys, Archbishop of York|Archbishop Sandys]] supported the idea, [[Elizabeth I of England|Elizabeth I]] did not follow it through.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=75}} The scheme was revived in 1604 by Sandys' widow Cicely, under the patronage of [[Anne of Denmark]] and [[Bess of Hardwick]] without success.<ref>[[Francis Peck]], ''Desiderata Curiosa'', vol. 1 (London, 1779), p. 290.</ref>

===Civil War and Restoration===
[[File:Thorpe Prebend House.jpg|thumb|left|The house where Stuart King [[James VI and I|James I]] stayed in 1617]]
Ripon replaced its old textiles industry with one for the manufacture of [[spur]]s during the 16th century.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=45}} They were so widely known that they gave rise to the [[proverb]] "as true steel as Ripon Rowels".<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.oldtowns.co.uk/Yorkshire/ripon.htm|title =Ripon|publisher =Old Towns of England|access-date =1 February 2009|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011849/http://www.oldtowns.co.uk/Yorkshire/ripon.htm|archive-date =27 September 2007|url-status =live}}</ref> At the time, spurs did not just serve as functional [[Equestrianism|riding]] accessories, they were also fashionable; an expensive pair was made for King [[James VI and I|James I]] when he stayed at Ripon in 1617.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=43}} It was James who granted Ripon a [[Royal Charter]] in 1604 and created the first Mayor of Ripon.<ref name="timeline">{{cite web|url =http://www.visitripon.org/history/ripon_timeline.html|title =Ripon Timeline|publisher =VisitRipon.org|access-date =1 February 2009|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090101091605/http://www.visitripon.org/history/ripon_timeline.html|archive-date =1 January 2009|url-status =live}}</ref> After the [[Bishops' Wars]] in Scotland, a [[Treaty of Ripon|treaty]] was signed at Ripon in 1640 to stop the conflict between [[Charles I of England|Charles I]] and the Scottish [[Covenanter]]s.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=75}} Although Ripon was not in the main line of fighting which was to the east, it remained loyal and [[cavalier|royalist]] during the [[English Civil War]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=75}} There was an incident in 1643, when [[roundheads|parliamentarian]] forces under [[Thomas Mauleverer]] entered Ripon and damaged the Minster, but [[John Mallory]] and the royalist forces soon settled the matter after a skirmish in the Market Place.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=75}} The royalists were eventually defeated in the Civil War and Charles I spent two nights as a prisoner in Ripon.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=75}} [[Oliver Cromwell]] visited the city twice on his way to battle, once on the way to the [[Battle of Preston (1648)|Preston]] and also on the way to the [[Battle of Worcester]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=75}}

[[File:Studley Royal, Ripon.jpg|thumb|right|[[Studley Royal Park]]]]
[[File:Freemantle Terrace - geograph.org.uk - 644033.jpg|thumb|Freemantle Terrace]]
By the time of the [[English Restoration]], several strains of [[Nonconformist (Protestantism)|non-conformist]] Christian practices had appeared, although they were not common in Ripon, the majority of people being [[Anglicans]] with a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] minority.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|pp=75–76}} After the [[Glorious Revolution|Revolution of 1688]], which overthrew [[James II of England|James II]], there were [[Jacobite risings]] in the [[British Isles]]; some Riponmen were jailed in February 1746 upon "suspicion of corresponding with Prince [[Charles Edward Stuart]]".{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=76}} The founder of [[Methodism]], [[John Wesley]], preached in Ripon and a small community of followers was established.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|pp=76–77}} During the [[Georgian era]] Ripon, unlike several other cities, was not significantly affected by the [[Industrial Revolution]] despite the existence of various [[guild]]s. Although more widely known for his activities outside of Ripon, [[John Aislabie]], during his time as Member of Parliament for Ripon, created the [[Studley Royal Park]] with its [[water garden]] and erected the [[Ripon Obelisk]] (designed by [[Nicholas Hawksmoor]]).<ref name="engineering_timeline">{{cite web|url=http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=165|title=Engineering timelines|publisher=engineering-timelines.com|access-date=24 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307231609/http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=165|archive-date=7 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="timeline"/> [[Newby Hall]] was also created during this period by [[Christopher Wren]].<ref name="timeline" />

===Modern day===
Communications were improved with the opening of [[Ripon railway station]] in May 1848 situated in [[Ure Bank]].{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=46}} During the First World War, a large [[Claro Barracks|military training camp]] was built in Ripon; the local community offered hospitality not only to soldiers' wives but to the [[Flemish people|Flemish]] refugees who became part of Ripon's community.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=107}} The racecourse south-east of the city also served as an airfield ([[Royal Flying Corps Ripon|RFC Ripon]]) for the [[Royal Flying Corps]] (and latterly, the [[Royal Air Force]]). The racecourse was also used as a demobilisation centre for troops returning from [[France]] well into 1919.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Delve|first1=Ken|title=Northern England : Co. Durham, Cumbria, Isle of Man, Lancashire, Merseyside, Manchester, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Yorkshire|date=2006|publisher=Crowood|location=Ramsbury|isbn=1-86126-809-2|page=302}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Barker|first1=Malcolm|title=March of history as city gets ready to say another goodbye|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/opinion/malcolm-barker-march-of-history-as-city-gets-ready-to-say-another-goodbye-1-5557841|access-date=14 March 2018|work=Th Yorkshire Post|date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315134240/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/opinion/malcolm-barker-march-of-history-as-city-gets-ready-to-say-another-goodbye-1-5557841|archive-date=15 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The town had a similar though smaller role during the Second World War and, in recognition of this, the [[Royal Engineers]] were presented with the [[Freedom of the City]] in 1947.{{sfn|Thomson|1978|p=108}} Since the War, Ripon has gone through some remodelling and has grown in size; it attracts thousands of tourists each year who come to see its famous buildings with their long Christian heritage, nearby Studley Park, [[Ripon Racecourse]], and in recent times the theme park [[Lightwater Valley]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bond|first1=Chris|title=Yorkshire's cathedrals in need of divine intervention as running costs spiral|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/yorkshire-s-cathedrals-in-need-of-divine-intervention-as-running-costs-spiral-1-7719067|access-date=10 February 2018|work=The Yorkshire Post|date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211071753/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/yorkshire-s-cathedrals-in-need-of-divine-intervention-as-running-costs-spiral-1-7719067|archive-date=11 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Angry Birds sparks tourism boost hope|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-22614758|access-date=10 February 2018|work=BBC News|date=21 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113063033/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-22614758/lightwater-valley-s-angry-birds-activity-park-sparks-tourism-hope|archive-date=13 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
<gallery class="center">
File:T and R Williamson Ltd - Varnish and Enamel Works - geograph.org.uk - 1246120.jpg|The T & R Williamson Ltd Varnish and Enamel Works
File:The Arcade, Ripon - geograph.org.uk - 724791.jpg|The Arcade shopping centre
File:Flats on Allhallowgate, Ripon (geograph 6039756).jpg|Apartment building on Allhallowgate
</gallery>
[[File:Historic Allhallowgate.jpg|thumb|Historic Allhallowgate June 2023]]
[[File:Ripon Workhouse Museum June 2023.jpg|thumb|Ripon Workhouse Museum]]

== City status ==
{{see also|City status in the United Kingdom|List of smallest cities in the United Kingdom}}
{{maplink|type=shape|id=|frame=yes|frame-align=right|text=Ripon and city boundary|title=City of Ripon|frame-height=240|fill=#000000|fill-opacity=0.1}}
Ripon was the [[Historical development of Church of England dioceses#Late modern foundations|first Church of England diocese to be created]] after the English Reformation, as it was recognised that existing dioceses were unsuited for the large increases in population caused particularly by the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century in central England. It was deemed that new cathedral building on a national scale was not viable<ref name=beckett/> and so Ripon, containing a high status parish church, was created from the existing [[Diocese of Chester|Chester]] and [[Diocese of York|York]] dioceses in 1836, with the building promoted to cathedral status. Ripon council presumed this had elevated the town to the rank of city, and started referring to itself as such. The next diocese [[Anglican Diocese of Manchester|Manchester]] was promoted similarly, but doubts as to its use of the title were raised. With the subsequent clearer understanding of needing to petition the monarch, Manchester did so and obtained the status in 1853. Ripon was encouraged to follow suit, with its own status being recognised by the parliamentary City of Ripon Act in 1865.<ref name=beckett>{{cite book |last1=Beckett |first1=John |title=City Status in the British Isles, 1830–2002 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dzErDwAAQBAJ&q=prescriptive%20right%20city%20tatus%20beckett&pg=PA12 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |date=5 July 2017 |isbn=9781351951265 |access-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102094803/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=dzErDwAAQBAJ&lpg=PA12&dq=prescriptive%20right%20city%20tatus%20beckett&pg=PA12 |archive-date=2 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1974, Ripon borough (see [[#Governance|Governance]]) was abolished and a [[Parish councils in England|parish council]] established as part of wider [[Local Government Act 1972|local government reform]]. The award of city status is typically granted to a local authority, whose administrative area is then considered to be the formal borders of the city, the grant in this case being removed at the same time and bestowed onto the parish. By this definition, the whole parish council area of Ripon, including its settlement and surrounding rural area containing a tiny portion of the [[Nidderdale AONB]] to the north west, is considered to be the limits of the city. It contains the third lowest population of all the cities in England, however it falls to seventh place when taking the whole of the UK into consideration. Using 2011 [[Office for National Statistics|ONS]] census statistics, Ripon has the third smallest city council area but the fourth lowest [[Urban area#United Kingdom|urban area]] of any city in England.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hopkinson |first1=Michael |title=Yorkshire market towns : not just for shopping : a research survey by PLACE |date=2014 |publisher=People, Landscape & Cultural Environment Education and Research Centre |location=York |isbn=978-1-906604-49-3 |page=20}}</ref><ref>UK Census (2011). "Local Area Report – (E04007409)". Nomis. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 12 April 2021.</ref>

==Governance==
[[File:Sir George Cockburn.jpg|thumb|right|[[Sir George Cockburn, 10th Baronet|Sir George Cockburn]] was [[Ripon (UK Parliament constituency)|MP for Ripon]] from 1841 until 1847.]]
[[File:Ripon Town Hall by night. - geograph.org.uk - 1582184.jpg|thumb|[[Ripon Town Hall]]]]

Ripon became a [[municipal borough]] of the [[West Riding of Yorkshire]] with its headquarters at [[Ripon Town Hall]] in 1835, and remained an independent borough until 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit_page.jsp?u_id=10002552 |title=Ripon |publisher=Visions of Britain |access-date=28 March 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026074517/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit_page.jsp?u_id=10002552 |archive-date=26 October 2012 }}</ref> That year, following the [[Local Government Act 1972]], the former area of Ripon borough was merged with Harrogate borough and several [[rural district]]s of the West Riding to form an enlarged [[Harrogate (borough)|Harrogate]] borough in the ceremonial county of [[North Yorkshire]].<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/harrogate-57|title =Electoral Boundaries|publisher =Harrogate.gov.uk|access-date =1 February 2009|url-status =dead|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090728225707/http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/harrogate-57|archive-date =28 July 2009}}</ref> It remained this way until 2023, when the Borough of Harrogate was abolished, the city is now administered by the unitary [[North Yorkshire Council]].

The lowest tier of governance in Ripon is the Ripon City Council, a [[parish councils in England|parish council]] with twelve members, three for each of four wards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Democracy {{!}} Ripon City Council |url=https://www.riponcity.gov.uk/events/democracy/ |access-date=15 April 2025 }}</ref>

Ripon was represented by the Member of Parliament for [[Yorkshire (UK Parliament constituency)|Yorkshire]] until it had its own [[parliamentary borough]] established on a permanent basis in 1553.<ref name="ripmp">{{cite web|url =http://www2.odl.ox.ac.uk/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=p-000-00---0modhis06--00-0-0-0prompt-10---4------0-1l--1-en-50---20-about---00001-001-1-1isoZz-8859Zz-1-0&a=d&cl=CL1|title =Cobbett's Parliamentary History|publisher =Oxford Digital Library|access-date =1 February 2009|url-status =dead|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150904125310/http://www2.odl.ox.ac.uk/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=p-000-00---0modhis06--00-0-0-0prompt-10---4------0-1l--1-en-50---20-about---00001-001-1-1isoZz-8859Zz-1-0&a=d&cl=CL1|archive-date =4 September 2015}}</ref> Ripon was able to elect two MPs to represent its parliamentary borough; the right of election was vested not in the population as a whole, but in the [[wikt:burgage|burgesses]] (originally meaning freemen of the borough or [[freehold (law)|freehold]]ers) until the [[Great Reform Act]] of 1832.<ref name="ripmp" /> The next [[Reform Act of 1867|Reform Act]] which came into force at the [[1868 United Kingdom general election|1868 election]], reduced Ripon's representation from two MPs to one. Some of the more notable MPs of Ripon were [[John Aislabie]], [[Frederick John Robinson, 1st Viscount Goderich|Frederick John Robinson]] and [[Sir George Cockburn, 10th Baronet|George Cockburn]].<ref name="ripmp" /> The [[Redistribution of Seats Act 1885|Reform Act of 1885]] abolished the borough of Ripon, but the [[county constituency]] in which the town was placed as a result was named Ripon, and this continued as a single member constituency, albeit with some boundary changes, until it was abolished before the [[1983 United Kingdom general election|1983 general election]].<ref name="ripmp" /> Since 1983, Ripon has been part of the [[Skipton and Ripon (UK Parliament constituency)|Skipton and Ripon]] constituency, a [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] stronghold.<ref name="ukpoling">{{cite web|url = http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/guide/seat-profiles/skiptonandripon|title = Skipton and Ripon|publisher = UKPolingReport.co.uk|access-date = 1 February 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090307223830/http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/guide/seat-profiles/skiptonandripon|archive-date = 7 March 2009|url-status = live}}</ref> The current MP is [[Julian Smith (politician)|Julian Smith]], a [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]], who was elected in 2010.
==Geography==
{{wide image|RiponMarket.jpg|620px|View over the market place of Ripon}}

===Topography===
[[File:River Skell - Harrogate Road - geograph.org.uk - 1246109.jpg|thumb|[[River Skell]]]]

Ripon lies at the confluence of two rivers, the [[River Laver|Laver]] and the [[River Skell|Skell]], which meet in the west of the city.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fitton |first1=S.&nbsp;L. |last2=Moncaster |first2=A. |last3=Guthrie |first3=P. |title=Investigating the social value of the Ripon rivers flood alleviation scheme |journal=Journal of Flood Risk Management |date=December 2016 |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=370–378 |doi=10.1111/jfr3.12176 |url=https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/248444 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2016JFRM....9..370F |access-date=10 September 2020 |archive-date=24 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024072720/https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/248444 |url-status=live }}</ref> As they flow through the city, the Skell feeds water into the basin of [[Ripon Canal]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Bob |title=Following the Ure |url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/14640930.following-the-ure/ |access-date=3 February 2020 |work=York Press |date=25 July 2016 |archive-date=3 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203185100/https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/14640930.following-the-ure/ |url-status=live }}</ref> East of the city, the Skell meets the [[River Ure]], and both the Ure and canal head south-eastwards towards [[Boroughbridge]].<ref>{{cite web |title=75 Ure Corridor Recreation Area – Ripon to Newby Reach |url=https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/downloads/file/1183/75_ure_corridor_recreation_area_-_ripon_to_newby_reach |publisher=Harrogate Borough Council |access-date=3 February 2020 |page=1 |format=PDF |date=February 2004 |archive-date=3 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203185611/https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/downloads/file/1183/75_ure_corridor_recreation_area_-_ripon_to_newby_reach |url-status=live }}</ref> The Ure was the traditional boundary between the old [[West Riding of Yorkshire|West]] and [[North Riding of Yorkshire|North Ridings]] of Yorkshire.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jones-Barker |first1=William Gideon Michael |title=The Three Days of Wensleydale: The Valley of the Yore |date=1854 |publisher=Dolma |location=London |page=285|oclc=02590543}}</ref>

As the city is at the meeting point of three rivers, it has flooded often in the 20th and 21st centuries; notable floods have occurred in 1982, 1991, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dooks |first1=Brian |title=Flood-hit city wins £11m for defences |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/latest-news/flood-hit-city-wins-163-11m-for-defences-1-2593105 |access-date=3 February 2020 |work=The Yorkshire Post |date=9 December 2005 |url-access=limited |archive-date=3 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203184929/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/latest-news/flood-hit-city-wins-163-11m-for-defences-1-2593105 |url-status=live }}</ref> This prompted spending over £14&nbsp;million on the building of flood defences for the city and a storage area upstream of the city which can hold {{convert|1,500,000|m3|order=flip}} of water.<ref>{{cite news |title=Flood defence scheme completed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-19988014 |access-date=3 February 2020 |publisher=BBC News |date=18 October 2012 |archive-date=3 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203184823/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-19988014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Much of the geology of the district is magnesian limestone, part of the Permian rocks which extend southwards from [[Darlington]] to [[Wetherby]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Conservation area – Ripon {{!}} Harrogate Borough Council |url=https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/downloads/file/1770/conservation_area_-_ripon |website=www.harrogate.gov.uk |access-date=3 February 2020 |page=5 |format=PDF |date=June 2009 |archive-date=3 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203185925/https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/downloads/file/1770/conservation_area_-_ripon |url-status=live }}</ref> The area has pockets of gypsum underlying the surface soils. Water has dissolved the gypsum, leaving the area prone to sinkholes, especially north of the city and on the northern side of the Ure.<ref>{{cite web |title=77 North of Ripon Farmland {{!}} Harrogate Borough Council |url=https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/downloads/file/1186/77_north_of_ripon_farmland |website=www.harrogate.gov.uk |access-date=3 February 2020 |page=1 |format=PDF |date=February 2004 |archive-date=3 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203185658/https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/downloads/file/1186/77_north_of_ripon_farmland |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Climate===
The climate data below is for [[Topcliffe, North Yorkshire|Topcliffe]], which is {{convert|13|km|order=flip}} to the north-east.<ref>{{cite map|title =Ripon & Boroughbridge |map =299 |year =2015 |scale =1:25,000 |series =Explorer |publisher =Ordnance Survey |isbn =978-0-319-24551-4 }}</ref>
{{Topcliffe weatherbox}}

==Landmarks and architecture==
{{Expand section|date=February 2020}}

The main feature of Ripon is an [[English Gothic architecture|English Gothic style]] cathedral, originally founded by Irish monks but refounded by [[Wilfrid|Saint Wilfrid]] in 672. It has been rebuilt many times, and the only original building is the Saxon crypt.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ripon Cathedral |url=https://www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/cathedral/ripon-cathedral/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=The Association of English Cathedrals |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104144212/https://www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/cathedral/ripon-cathedral/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is home to Wilfrid’s grave.

[[Ripon Spa Baths]] is a grade II listed building which was opened in 1905. Originally, spa water was pumped from Aldfield a village to the north of the city, but later, the baths were opened on site too. The site closed in 2021, and in 2024, it was purchased by a private buyer to be converted into a hospitality venue and luxury apartments.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ripon Spa Baths to be redeveloped as luxury apartments |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg4q7dp55ewo |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=BBC News |date=19 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE|desc=Spa Baths |num=1150142 |grade=II|access-date=30 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |editor-last1=Chapman |editor-first1=Hannah |title=£2m scheme to restore historic Spa Baths |work=Darlington & Stockton Times |issue=2024–43 |date=25 October 2024 |page=8|issn=2516-5348}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Former College buildings, Ripon.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Buildings of the former [[College of Ripon and York St John]] facilities]]

Ripon is home to [[Ripon Grammar School]] which is a selective intake, state secondary school.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/mar/11/grammarschools.secondaryschools | title=Parents vote to retain Ripon grammar school | newspaper=The Guardian | access-date=1 February 2009 | location=London | first=Rebecca | last=Smithers | date=11 March 2000 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305154551/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/mar/11/grammarschools.secondaryschools | archive-date=5 March 2014 | url-status=live }}</ref> The school claims to take roots from the school which was attached to the Collegiate Church, founded during the time of the [[Angles (tribe)|Angle]] kingdom of [[Northumbria]] by Saint [[Wilfrid]].<ref name="rgs">{{cite web|url =http://www.ripongrammar.co.uk/general_information/history.php|title =A short history of Ripon Grammar School|publisher =[[Ripon Grammar School]]|access-date =1 February 2009|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20141223100816/http://www.ripongrammar.co.uk/general_information/history.php|archive-date =23 December 2014|url-status =live}}</ref> The refoundation date for the school was during the reign of Queen [[Mary I of England|Mary I]] in 1555.<ref name="rgs"/> The school has several notable [[alumni]], known as Old Riponians, including theologian Bishop [[Beilby Porteus]], historian Bishop [[William Stubbs]], fashion designer [[Bruce Oldfield]] and television presenter [[Richard Hammond]].<ref name="rgs"/> In the modern day the school hosts around 800 pupils, gaining engineering status in 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.ripongrammar.co.uk/engineering_status/index.php|title =Specialist Engineering Status|publisher =[[Ripon Grammar School]]|access-date =1 February 2009|url-status =dead|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090301074340/http://www.ripongrammar.co.uk/engineering_status/index.php|archive-date =1 March 2009}}</ref> it receives favourable reports from the [[Ofsted]], being either ''good'' or ''outstanding''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ripon Grammar School URN: 121694 |url=https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/121694 |website=reports.ofsted.gov.uk |access-date=4 February 2020 |date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=4 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204095139/https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/121694 |url-status=live }}</ref> Opposite Ripon Grammar on Clotherholme Road is the non-selective [[Outwood Academy Ripon]] (formerly Ripon College, a [[secondary modern]] school), which was also known as Ripon City School until 1999. It has around 630 pupils and is exceeding the national average of GCSE results.<ref>{{cite news|title=Education {{!}} League Tables {{!}} Ripon College|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/03/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/815_4203.stm|access-date=25 January 2018|work=BBC News|date=15 January 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060314104544/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/03/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/815_4203.stm|archive-date=14 March 2006|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ruiz|first1=Karen|title=Outwood Academy Ripon Sixth Formers celebrate A-level results success|url=https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/education/outwood-academy-ripon-sixth-formers-celebrate-a-level-results-success-1-8077006|access-date=25 January 2018|work=Harrogate Advertiser|date=18 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092953/https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/education/outwood-academy-ripon-sixth-formers-celebrate-a-level-results-success-1-8077006|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=About the Academy – Outwood Academy Ripon|url=http://www.ripon.outwood.com/about-the-academy|website=www.ripon.outwood.com|access-date=25 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226185304/http://www.ripon.outwood.com/about-the-academy|archive-date=26 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Nelson|first1=Barry|title=Two heads agree that local parents have no need to look elsewhere|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/10888750.Two_heads_agree_that_local_parents_have_no_need_to_look_elsewhere/|access-date=25 January 2018|work=The Northern Echo|date=24 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126125457/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/10888750.Two_heads_agree_that_local_parents_have_no_need_to_look_elsewhere/|archive-date=26 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the site of the Old Ripon Racecourse in Whitcliffe Lane was St Olave's Preparatory School.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riponcivicsociety.org.uk/viewoldcomment.php?ID=306&PHPSESSID=clcp09n24aorhekn5tp3r1arr3|title=A Tale of Two Schools|publisher=Ripon Civic Society|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208004600/http://www.riponcivicsociety.org.uk/viewoldcomment.php?ID=306&PHPSESSID=clcp09n24aorhekn5tp3r1arr3|archive-date=8 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> This site was taken over by an independent co-ed [[Preparatory school (UK)|preparatory school]] founded in 1960 called the Cathedral Choir School. The choir school closed in 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classical-music.com/news/ripon-cathedral-choir-school-forced-shut|title=Ripon Cathedral Choir School forced to shut|publisher=BBC|work=Classical-music.com|date=24 July 2012|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208065550/http://www.classical-music.com/news/ripon-cathedral-choir-school-forced-shut|archive-date=8 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and the site has now had approval for the building of new residential dwellings. Ripon previously had higher education facilities in the form of the [[College of Ripon and York St John]] until 2001.<ref name="ysjc">{{cite web|url=http://w3.yorksj.ac.uk/about/history.aspx |title=History |publisher=[[York St. John University]] |access-date=9 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206120059/http://w3.yorksj.ac.uk/about/history.aspx |archive-date=6 December 2009 }}</ref> This college had its roots in two [[Anglican]] teacher training colleges, which were founded in [[York]] in 1841 for men and 1846 for women.<ref name="ysjc"/> The women's college moved to Ripon in 1862. Over the next century, the colleges gradually diversified their education programmes. The colleges merged in 1974 to form the College of Ripon and York St John.<ref name="ysjc"/> The combined institution became a college of the [[University of Leeds]] in 1990. Between 1999 and 2001, all activities were transferred to York and the college received the name [[York St John University]].<ref name="ysjc"/> One of York St John's buildings on its Lord Mayor's Walk campus was renamed 'Ripon' in June 2018 to commemorate Ripon Training College's "contribution to women's education" over 123 years of service.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=York St John University |url=https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/news/2018/york-st-john-university-celebrates-ripon-heritage/ |title=York St John University celebrates Ripon heritage |date=14 June 2018 |access-date=5 September 2020 |archive-date=31 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031045836/https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/news/2018/york-st-john-university-celebrates-ripon-heritage/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Evolve, a small, inclusive post-16 college is based in the centre of Ripon,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Craven College|url=https://www.evolveripon.co.uk/|title=Evolve Ripon|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=10 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810043009/https://www.evolveripon.co.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> which works alongside [[Craven College]], which is based in [[Skipton]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Craven College|url=https://www.craven-college.ac.uk/news/garden-design/craven-college-show-garden-wins-gold-at-harrogate-flower-show/|title=Craven College show garden wins gold at Harrogate flower show/|date=30 April 2020|access-date=5 September 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On the outskirts of Ripon there is the  specialist autism education school called Spring Hill. The school offers day and boarding places. Current pupil numbers are 22.  These include  17 boys, 5 girls, and 6 boarders.
Spring Hill is owned by Cambian group PLC which is a large UK provider of specialist provision for children and adults. Spring Hill was previously in the ownership of the charity Barnardos.
The current headteacher is Samantha Campbell, the head of care is Rebecca Sharp, The deputy headteacher is Christine Sherman, the head of education is currently vacant and the transitions and admissions coordinator is currently vacant.

==Religion==
Christianity is the largest religious affiliation in Ripon; 79.3% of the people in the area polled as part of the [[United Kingdom Census 2001]] professed the Christian faith.<ref name="ukpoling"/> [[Ripon Cathedral]] is the main religious building in the city and contains a tomb said to contain the bones of Saint [[Wilfrid]] who founded a monastery here and with it the town. The [[Venerable]] [[William Gibson (martyr)|William Gibson]] is another noted local figure, a Catholic martyr who was one of the [[eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales]].<ref>{{cite Catholic Encyclopedia|wstitle = English Confessors and Martyrs (1534–1729)}}</ref>

The [[Church of England]] is in the majority, with two parishes: the ancient [[Ripon Cathedral]] and [[Holy Trinity Church, Ripon|Holy Trinity Church]].<ref name="anglica" /> Ripon was the [[episcopal see]] of the [[Diocese of Ripon and Leeds]] represented by the [[Bishop of Ripon and Leeds]], created in 1836 with just Ripon in its title but adapted to include Leeds in 2000.<ref name="anglica">{{cite web|url = http://anglicansonline.org/uk-europe/england/dioceses/riponleeds.html|title = Church of England: Diocese of Ripon and Leeds|publisher = AnglicansOnline.org|access-date = 1 February 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090107210336/http://anglicansonline.org/uk-europe/england/dioceses/riponleeds.html|archive-date = 7 January 2009|url-status = live}}</ref> In 2014 it became part of the [[Anglican Diocese of Leeds|Diocese of Leeds]], with Ripon Cathedral serving as one of its three cathedrals of equal status.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leeds.anglican.org/sites/default/files/A3%20POSTER.pdf |title=Welcome to your new diocese of West Yorkshire & the Dales |date=20 April 2014 |access-date=25 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421082327/http://www.leeds.anglican.org/sites/default/files/A3%20POSTER.pdf |archive-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> During the time of the kingdom of [[Northumbria]] there was a short-lived Diocese of Ripon, with [[Eadhedus]] the only bishop. There is also a [[Medieval]] chapel located on Magdalens Road, which was once part of a leper hospital.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Winpenny |first1=David |title=Secret Ripon |date=2018 |publisher=Amberley |location=Stroud |isbn=978-1-4456-7216-8 |page=74}}</ref> The [[Chapel of St Mary Magdalen, Ripon|Chapel of St Mary Magdalen]] is still used for regular worship and is a [[grade I listed]] building.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Chapel of the Hospital of St Mary Magdalen|num=1150194|grade=I|access-date=9 August 2020}}</ref>

There is a [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] parish in Ripon called [[St Wilfrid's Church, Ripon|St Wilfrid's]]; it is covered by the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Leeds|Diocese of Leeds]] in the Harrogate [[deanery]] and the church is an architecturally significant building.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.aol.com/pmdraper10/riponnor.htm|title=Ripon, North Yorkshire|publisher=Riponnor|access-date=1 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050221040653/http://members.aol.com/pmdraper10/riponnor.htm|archive-date=21 February 2005|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/WRY/Ripon/ChurchesInRipon.html|title=Churches in Ripon|publisher=GENUKI.org.uk|access-date=1 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830085711/http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/WRY/Ripon/ChurchesInRipon.html|archive-date=30 August 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also around two places of worship for [[Methodist Church in Great Britain|Methodism]] in Ripon,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yell.com/find/s/Community-Organisations/Places-of-Worship/UK/North-Yorkshire/Ripon,-North-Yorkshire |title=Places of Worship in Ripon |publisher=Yell.com |access-date=1 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904125310/https://www.yell.com/find/s/Community-Organisations/Places-of-Worship/UK/North-Yorkshire/Ripon%2C-North-Yorkshire |archive-date=4 September 2015 }}</ref> as well as a couple of [[Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches|evangelical churches]] including Bethel Church and Zion Baptist Church.

{{Gallery
|width=200 | height=200
|File:The west front of Ripon Cathedral (geograph 7441987).jpg|[[Ripon Cathedral]]'s exterior
|File:Ripon Cathedral Choir, Nth Yorkshire, UK - Diliff.jpg|Ripon Cathedral interior
|File:St Mary's, Studley Royal.jpg|Inside St Mary's at Studley Royal
}}

==Culture==
[[File:The Hornblast in Ripon (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|right|The Ripon Hornblower]]

Market day is held on a Thursday, and there are 120 stalls.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.information-britain.co.uk/showPlace.cfm?Place_ID=29497|publisher=Information-Britain.co.uk|title=Ripon Market|access-date=18 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922204405/http://www.information-britain.co.uk/showPlace.cfm?Place_ID=29497|archive-date=22 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In celebration of the city's founder the ''Wilfrid Procession'' is held every year; it originated in 1108 when King [[Henry I of England|Henry I]] granted the privilege of holding a fair for him.<ref name="custom">{{cite news|url=http://www.ripon.co.uk/history/customs.html|publisher=Ripon.co.uk|title=Custom and Tradition|access-date=1 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725030610/http://www.ripon.co.uk/history/customs.html|archive-date=25 July 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> At the procession there are various decorated [[Float (parade)|float]]s which make their way through the city with locals in costume.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ripongazette.co.uk/ripon/Sun-shines-on-crowds-and.4355977.jp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918060621/http://www.ripongazette.co.uk/ripon/Sun-shines-on-crowds-and.4355977.jp|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 September 2012|newspaper=Ripon Gazette|title=Sun shines on crowds and floats at 'magnificent' St Wilfrid's procession|access-date=1 February 2009}}</ref> Part of the tradition represents the return of Wilfrid to Ripon, a decorated dummy (sometimes a man in costume instead) dressed as Wilfrid is sat on a horse, accompanied by two musicians with another man carrying St Wilfrid's hat around.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ripon-internet.com/Review_Ripon/83.html|publisher=Ripon-Internet.com|title=The St Wilfrid's Tradition|access-date=1 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715190022/http://www.ripon-internet.com/Review_Ripon/83.html|archive-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> Ripon also has dancing traditions such as the [[Long Sword dance]] and [[Morris dance]].<ref name="custom"/>
[[File:The Square Ripon ; The obelisk.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|[[Ripon Obelisk]]]]
The market square is the site of the [[Ripon Obelisk]], erected in 1702 by [[John Aislabie]] and designed by [[Nicholas Hawksmoor]]. It stands {{convert|80|ft|m|abbr=on}} in height and is capped with a [[weathervane]] bearing a representation of the wakeman's horn. It is [[Grade I listed]] and reputed to be the oldest in England.<ref>{{NHLE |num= 1315492|desc= Ripon Obelisk|access-date= 1 October 2020|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>

The tradition of the Ripon Hornblower has endured since 886 and continues on to this day.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pickles|first1=George|title=Ripon's hornblower|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/content/articles/2008/07/10/ripon_hornblower_history_feature.shtml|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703174107/http://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/content/articles/2008/07/10/ripon_hornblower_history_feature.shtml|archive-date=3 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.visitripon.org/history/customs___traditions.html|publisher=VisitRipon.org|title=Customs & Traditions|access-date=1 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230141732/http://www.visitripon.org/history/customs___traditions.html|archive-date=30 December 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> It originates with the wakeman of Ripon, whose job in the [[Middle Ages]] was similar to that of a mayor, although he had more responsibilities in the keeping of law and order. Every day at 9:00&nbsp;pm the horn is blown at the four corners of the obelisk in Ripon Market.<ref name="horn">{{cite news|url=http://www.visitripon.org/download/ripon_hornblower.pdf|publisher=VisitRipon.org|title=Ripon Hornblower|access-date=1 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012172546/http://www.visitripon.org/download/ripon_hornblower.pdf|archive-date=12 October 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> The horn has become the symbol of the city and represents Ripon on the [[Harrogate (borough)|Harrogate borough]] coat of arms. There are three museums in Ripon collectively known as the ''Yorkshire Law and Order Museums''; it includes the [[Courthouse Museum]], the [[Prison & Police Museum]] and the [[Workhouse Museum]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.riponmuseums.co.uk/html/visitor_info.html|publisher=RiponMuseums.co.uk|title=Yorkshire Law and Order Museums|access-date=1 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217095356/http://riponmuseums.co.uk/html/visitor_info.html|archive-date=17 February 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Ripon Swimming Baths - geograph.org.uk - 624031 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Ripon Spa Baths|Ripon Baths]]]]

===Sport===
{{Further|Ripon Cricket Club}}
[[File:Ripon Races (28866486818).jpg|thumb|[[Ripon Racecourse]]]]
In terms of sport, the most noted field of participation is [[horse racing]] with the [[Ripon Racecourse]]. The sport has a long history in Ripon, with the first recorded meeting on Bondgate Green in 1664, while its current location has been used as a racetrack since 1900.<ref name="races">{{cite news|url=http://www.visitripon.org/businesses/ripon_races.html |publisher=VisitRipon.org |title=Ripon Races |access-date=1 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012172506/http://www.visitripon.org/businesses/ripon_races.html |archive-date=12 October 2008 }}</ref> Ripon staged Britain's first race for female riders in 1723.<ref name="races"/> The city is also home to Ripon Rugby Union Football Club who were founded in 1886 and currently play in [[Yorkshire 2]], the eighth tier of the [[Rugby Football League|English Rugby Union league]].

===Media===
Local news and television programmes are provided by [[BBC Yorkshire]] and [[BBC North East and Cumbria]] on [[BBC One]] & [[ITV Yorkshire]] and [[ITV Tyne Tees]] on [[ITV (TV Network)|ITV1]]. Television signals can be received from either [[Emley Moor transmitting station|Emley Moor]] or [[Bilsdale transmitting station|Bilsdale]] TV transmitters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Emley_Moor|title=Emley Moor (Kirklees, England) Full Freeview transmitter|date=1 May 2004|website=UK Free TV|accessdate=17 September 2023|archive-date=19 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819070317/https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Emley_Moor|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Bilsdale|title=Bilsdale (North Yorkshire, England) Full Freeview transmitter|date=1 May 2004|website=UK Free TV|accessdate=17 September 2023|archive-date=3 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903034040/https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Bilsdale|url-status=live}}</ref>

Local radio stations are [[BBC Radio York]], [[Greatest Hits Radio Yorkshire]] (formerly [[Stray FM]]), 'Your Harrogate' (which broadcast from [[Harrogate]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yourharrogate.co.uk/|title=Your local radio station in the Harrogate District|first=James|last=Whitaker|website=Your Harrogate|accessdate=14 August 2023|archive-date=14 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814070110/https://yourharrogate.co.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[British Forces Broadcasting Service|BFBS]] (which provides radio programmes for [[His Majesty's Armed Forces]]).

The ''Ripon Gazette'' is the town’s weekly local newspaper.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishpapers.co.uk/england-yorks/ripon-gazette/|title=Ripon Gazette|date=21 October 2013|website=British Papers|accessdate=17 September 2023|archive-date=21 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021211122/https://www.britishpapers.co.uk/england-yorks/ripon-gazette/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===In popular culture===
A character in ''[[Downton Abbey]]'' refers to becoming a partner in a Ripon firm of [[solicitor]]s. The [[historical drama]] also refers to the nearby towns of [[Easingwold]] and [[Thirsk]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/features/features/8454627.So_where_is_Downton_Abbey_/|title=So where is Downton Abbey?|access-date=30 March 2013|date=15 October 2010|work=[[The Press (York)|The Press]]|first=Judith H.|last=Dobrzynski|archive-date=15 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115233615/https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/features/features/8454627.So_where_is_Downton_Abbey_/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Ripon Bus Station - geograph.org.uk - 76827.jpg|thumb|Ripon Bus Station]]
[[File:The Ripon Canal.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Ripon Canal]] continues to be used by [[barge]]s in the modern day.]]

The city was previously served by [[Ripon railway station]] on the [[Leeds-Northallerton Railway|Leeds-Northallerton Line]] that ran between [[Leeds railway station|Leeds]] and [[Northallerton railway station|Northallerton]].<ref name="railwaynorth">{{cite news|url=http://archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk/2004/5/14/52376.html |title=Reopening line makes economic sense, says study |work=Northern Echo |access-date=1 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102201026/http://archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk/2004/5/14/52376.html |archive-date=2 January 2010 }}</ref> It was once part of the [[North Eastern Railway (UK)|North Eastern Railway]] and then [[London & North Eastern Railway]]. The Ripon to Harrogate Line was closed in the 1960s as part of the [[Beeching cuts]].<ref name="bbc rail"/> Today, much of the route of the line through the city is now a relief road and although the former station still stands, it is now surrounded by a new housing development. The issue remains a significant one in local politics and there are movements wanting to restore the line.<ref name="railwaynorth" /> Reports suggest the reopening of a line between Ripon and [[Harrogate railway station|Harrogate]] would be economically viable, costing £40&nbsp;million and initially attracting 1,200 passengers a day, rising to 2,700.<ref name="railwaynorth" /><ref name="bbc rail">{{cite news|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/3702743.stm|title = Backing for restoring rail link|publisher = BBC|work = BBC News Online|date = 11 May 2004|access-date = 4 January 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040716134836/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/3702743.stm|archive-date = 16 July 2004|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/general-news/campaigners-call-on-mps-to-restore-ripon-railway-link-1-6381730|title = Campaigners call on MPs to restore Ripon railway link|work = [[Yorkshire Post]]|access-date = 2 March 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150713104748/http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/general-news/campaigners-call-on-mps-to-restore-ripon-railway-link-1-6381730|archive-date = 13 July 2015|url-status = live}}</ref>

By road, Ripon is well connected; it is accessible from the north and south via the [[A1 road (Great Britain)|A1(M) motorway]], which connects to Ripon by the [[B6265 road|B6265]].<ref name="roads">{{cite web|url =http://www.visitripon.org/visitor_info/how_to_get_here.html|title =How to Get Here|publisher =VisitRipon.org|access-date =1 February 2009|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20081230141951/http://www.visitripon.org/visitor_info/how_to_get_here.html|archive-date =30 December 2008|url-status =live}}</ref> Ripon is accessible from the east and west via the [[A61 road|A61]], the main road running through the city.<ref name="roads" />

[[Harrogate Bus Company]]'s [[Harrogate bus route 36|route 36]] links the city to [[Harrogate]] and [[Leeds]] and there are also regular, albeit infrequent, bus services to [[Boroughbridge]], [[York]], [[Thirsk]], [[Northallerton]], [[Leyburn]], [[Richmond, North Yorkshire|Richmond]] and others.<ref>{{cite web|url =http://getdown.org.uk/bus/search/ripon.shtml|title =Bus services in Ripon|publisher =GetDown.org.uk|access-date =2 July 2016|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160710125454/http://getdown.org.uk/bus/search/ripon.shtml|archive-date =10 July 2016|url-status =live}}</ref>

The [[Ripon Canal]] was proposed by [[John Smeaton]] in 1766, to connect the city centre to part of the [[River Ure]]; it was used for transporting coal from the [[County Durham|Durham]] coalfields into the city. Although it was abandoned in 1956, a conservationist campaign saw it partly reopened in 1988 and fully in 1996.<ref name="canal">{{cite web|url =http://www.waterscape.com/canals-and-rivers/ripon-canal/history|publisher =[[Canal and River Trust]]|title =Ripon Canal|website =WaterScape.com|access-date =13 May 2016|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120305185518/http://www.waterscape.com/canals-and-rivers/ripon-canal/history|archive-date =5 March 2012|url-status =live}}</ref>

==Town twinning==
* [[Foix]] in south-west France 1957.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.francemag.com/france-travel-travel-guide-and-information-twin-towns--211|title=British Towns Twinned with French Towns|year=2006|work=France|publisher=Archant Life|access-date=7 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330000445/http://www.francemag.com/france-travel-travel-guide-and-information-twin-towns--211|archive-date=30 March 2010|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

==Freedom of the City==
The following people and military units have received the [[Freedom of the City]] of Ripon:
 
{{Expand list|date=December 2019}}

===Individuals===
* [[Charles, Prince of Wales]]: 24 October 2002.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7058577.prince-charles-freeman-ripon/|title=Prince Charles to be freeman of Ripon|newspaper=The Northern Echo|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204172255/https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7058577.prince-charles-freeman-ripon/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Military units===
* The [[Royal Engineers]]: 27 July 1949.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/units/843.aspx |title=38 Engineer Regiment |publisher=British Army |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018130249/https://www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/units/843.aspx |archive-date=18 October 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=17 December 2019}}</ref>
* [[RAF Leeming]]: 14 September 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/13719290.RAF_Leeming_celebrates_Freedom_of_Ripon_with_parade/|title=RAF Leeming celebrates Freedom of Ripon with parade|newspaper=The Northern Echo|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=27 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627062459/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/13719290.RAF_Leeming_celebrates_Freedom_of_Ripon_with_parade/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Marquess of Ripon]]
* [[Listed buildings in Ripon]]
* [[Quarry Moor]] nature reserve
* [[Sanctuary Way Walk]]
* [[Ure Viaduct]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book|title=A Ripon Record, 1887–1986 |last= Ellis|first=Edna |year=1986|publisher=Phillimore & Co. |isbn=0-85033-600-7}}
* {{cite book|title=Northallerton and Ripon: Pateley Bridge and Leyburn |publisher=Ordnance Survey |year=2003|isbn=0-319-22699-9}}
* {{cite book|last=Thomson|first=Celia|title=The Book of Ripon: An Historical Anthology|year=1978|publisher=Barracuda Books|location=Chesham|isbn=0-86023-041-4}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Ripon}}
{{Wikivoyage|Ripon (England)|Ripon}}
*{{official|https://www.riponcity.gov.uk/}}
*Promotion and publicity for [https://visitripon.co.uk/events/ events in Ripon] are handled by Ripon Business Improvement District
*[https://visitharrogate.co.uk/explore/ripon Ripon information from Visit North Yorkshire]

{{UK cities}}
{{North Yorkshire}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ripon| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Yorkshire and the Humber]]
[[Category:Market towns in North Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Towns in North Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Civil parishes in North Yorkshire]]