Modern vision for ancient church
Cathedral’s plans for future
THERE IS a timeless dignity to Ripon Cathedral’s great gothic structure, which has served for centuries as a grand house for service and prayer.
The building has a rich history, evident in its ancient crypt and in the intricate carvings which adorn its elaborate quire, but it has long been at a turning point to meet the needs of modern times.
Ambitions for its future are now within “touching distance”, its leaders have said, as architects’ visions of what it could achieve are finally revealed. The plans for a £6m extension, including a refectory, learning space and a ‘house of song’, are nearing fruition as views are sought on early designs.
To act now for the renewal of the cathedral’s roots, said the Very Reverend John Dobson, Dean of Ripon Cathedral, would be to ensure it is well placed to reinforce its future.
“This ancient church has been a cathedral since 1836,” he said. “It is as active and vibrant as it has ever been. But ultimately, in the 21st century, we are struggling with some of our facilities. We simply do not have adequate space. Now, we have a vision for strengthening that future.”
Ripon Cathedral, inset, covers the Diocese of Leeds over West
Yorkshire and much of North Yorkshire, serving a community of 2.5m people.
Its ancient Anglo-Saxon crypt, built by Saint Wilfrid in 672, is said to predate England itself and remains the nation’s oldest known church building in continuous use.
But as the needs of a modernday community has changed, the cathedral has stayed the same.
There are no bathrooms, and the choir rehearses in a Norman undercroft once used as a charnel house for bones.
With little storage, one of its main aisles is out of use, while a small shop takes up the floorspace of an entire tower.
Plans for the project, called Ripon Renewed, have been underway for some years, with architects now appointed.
The plans are now on display within the cathedral, and it is hoped the local community will give its thoughts on the vision before any formal planning process begins. Two two-storey blocks would be built in an L-shape to the front side of the current building, in matching stone with picture windows and a landscaped courtyard.
This would house a ‘song school’ for the choir, a dedicated learning space for schools and community groups, as well as a refectory, storage and shop. By freeing up space within the existing building, it is hoped that in time the tower could be opened as a viewing platform. Estimates suggest it could result in visitor numbers rising 33 per cent, bringing an additional 35,000 visitors and a sustainable income to protect its sacred spaces.
“What we are doing benefits not only the community and Ripon, but the whole of the wider region,” said the Dean.
“With a building like Ripon Cathedral, which is of national if not international significance, people are bound to be concerned about the heritage and how we care for its future.”
We are struggling with some of our facilities. The Very Reverend John Dobson, Dean of Ripon Cathedral.
RIPON Cathedral is one of Yorkshire’s great places of worship, at the heart of the diocese it has served for centuries, and beloved of both worshippers and visitors who come to marvel at its beauty.
Preserving this glorious church is important, but equally so is making it ready to face the future.
And that is exactly what is happening with the Ripon Renewed project, which will see £6m spent on an extension, allowing even more visitors to enjoy it and bring in vital income.
The views of those who love the cathedral are now being sought, which is as it should be for a church that is so closely in touch with the community.
What is certain is that Ripon Cathedral’s future looks bright, and its determination to remain as central to the life of this region for centuries to come as it has been in ages past deserves every good wish.