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The Misericords of Ripon Minster.
Ripon Cathedral has 35 late 15th century misericords.
Click to launch a description of the misericords of Ripon Minster
Click on the thumbnails for larger images
History of Ripon Minster
One of England’s first stone churches was founded on this site, by St Wilfrid in 672 AD. Although very little of this church remains today, the crypt dates from this period. The Cathedral as it stands today is the fourth building on this site, the first was destroyed in 948 by the king as a “warning” to the Archbishop of York. A new minster was built soon after this, but was again destroyed, this time by William the Conqueror in 1069 - it is worth noting that this was the same year as Peterborough Cathedral was also damaged by the Normans. The first Norman Archbishop of York, Thomas of Bayeux initiated the building of the third minster soon afterwards.
In the 12th century the fourth and final (we all hope) rebuild took place, under the aegis of Archbishop Roger de Pont l’Evêque, in a much grander style, some traces of the 11th century rebuild were incorporated in the chapter house. The west front, built in 1220, which is quite beautiful with its north and south towers which were originally topped with leaded wooden spires. Planned rebuilding was delayed due to the Wars of the Roses, and did not recommence until 1485 after Henry VII was enthroned. - this work included widening the nave, a partial rebuild of the central tower and the exquisite misericords (dated between 1489 and 1494), although predating the misericords at Beverley minster were also probably carved by the Ripon school. In 1547, with the dissolution, the college of canons was removed and the revenues were appropriated by the crown, which meant that the funding for the tower’s rebuild was removed, and thus the work was not completed.
It was not until 1836 that the diocese of Ripon was created and the Minster was upgraded to Cathedral status.
Click here for the official Ripon Cathedral website.