Ripon Cathedral

Ripon's skyline is dominated by Ripon Minster, which became a cathedral as recently as 1836. The Cathedral is the smallest in England though it's Saxon crypt is one of the oldest Christian structures in the country. The first structure thought to have been built on the site was probably wooden and built around 657 AD by the Abbot of Melrose.

Wilfred, Bishop of York then built one of England's first stone built churches on the site around 670 AD. This church included the Saxon crypt which has somehow managed to survive the centuries intact. This church was destroyed by King Eadred in 948 AD.

A second minster was soon built on the site but it was later destroyed in 1069 by William the Conqueror. The first Norman Archbishop of York, Thomas of Bayeux, then started the construction of the third church. Traces of this building remain as it was incorporated into what became the chapter house. The church that stands today has been added to and evolved over the centuries, something which is clearly illustrated by all the elaborate carving decorating wood fixtures and stone work. The towers originally had spires but the last was removed in 1664.

The Cathedral opens every day half an hour before the first service, and closes after evensong (usually around 6.15pm)

Links: http://www.riponcathedral.org.uk

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