There's a building on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales that's even older than the Kingdom of England: an intriguing Anglo-Saxon crypt, dating from 672AD. It’s the oldest structure of any cathedral in England still in use today, at Ripon Cathedral. The misericords are thought to have inspired the Adventures of Alice in Wonderland.
Ripon has been welcoming visitors since 672 when Saint Wilfrid laid those foundations. At the heart of Yorkshire’s smallest city (with a wonderful green frame) is the cobbled market square. It was described by Defoe as ‘the finest and most beautiful square… of its kind in England'.
You’ll immediately notice the strikingly tall Obelisk, one of many legacies left by John Aislabie. His other important contributions to the local area include Studley Royal Water Gardens, and the folly-filled woods at Hackfall.
The Obelisk is the starting point for Ripon’s famous nightly tradition: setting of the watch by the Ripon Hornblower every night at 9.00 pm.
Just off the square you’ll find three fascinating Ripon museums that tell the story of less fortunate times, prisoners and poverty. Discover what it was like to be truly poor at the Workhouse Museum and Garden. Learn about crime and punishment at the Prison & Police Museum, where children can dress up or be a detective. You can even stand in the dock at the Courthouse and imagine waiting for a guilty or innocent verdict.
Nearby Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust are stunningly beautiful and historically very significant (hence their UNESCO World Heritage Status). You can still experience the peace and tranquillity that attracted the original monks, almost 900 years ago.
Photo thanks to Visit Ripon