Cathedral set to move with times
Areas of Gothic building could be open to public for first time in centuries under transformational plans
CENTURIES OF history are housed within its walls, drawing pilgrims from around the world to see the ancient wonders of Ripon Cathedral’s famous crypt.
But with such a steep history comes a weight of responsibility, in the preservation of this great Gothic structure and protecting it for generations to come.
Now, as millions of pounds are raised in anticipation of change, it is pressing ahead with plans for its first major extension in a decade, bringing this “treasure” into modern times.
In the coming weeks, an exhibition will reveal how areas of the cathedral could be transformed, opening up some areas for the first time in centuries.
Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson, said the developments are “vital to bring this national treasure into the 21st century”.
“We hope that as many people as possible will come along to the cathedral to see the exhibition and give us their feedback,” he said. “We are very keen to hear what they have to say about this transformational project that will bring a boost for our service to the city and region, as well as the local economy.”
Ripon Cathedral contains the oldest built fabric of any English cathedral in its ancient crypt, which is all that now remains of a 7th-century stone basilica built in 672 AD by St Wilfrid on the site of an old Celtic monastery.
A major restoration was carried out in 1861 after the place of worship was reformed from a minster to a cathedral, with the present building serving 2.5 million people across West Yorkshire and half of North Yorkshire.
But while its offering has changed, its buildings have stayed the same. There are no public toilets, the shop is housed in one of its tower bases and one of the aisles has been closed for storage.
Ambitious plans for the extension could see a new building created to house a cafe, shop, education space, and a space for the choir, which currently rehearses in a dark and small Norman undercroft. The cathedral has raised more than £4m towards the £6m which it will need for the extension and is now set to stage an exhibition on its proposals from the middle of August until the end of September. Speaking to The Yorkshire Post earlier this year as tentative steps forward were made with early assessments and small scale investigation into the viability of the site, the Dean said the cathedral must expand its house to preserve its future for generations to come.
It would be of benefit not just to the city, he added, but to the wider region.
“We’ve got this ancient history, this fantastic architecture,” he said. “What we haven’t got is the facilities that people need.
“Each generation has, over 13 centuries, taken on what has been handed to it and made its contribution. We have a responsibility, in our generation, to make our contribution now.”
We are very keen to hear what people will have to say.
Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson.