History of Harrogate & Districts
History of Harrogate & Districts
The History below is that I have researched on the internet and in libraries and hopefully correct, however, history sometimes differs in the views of different historians. Should you find any errors, anything I might have missed or indeed anything I can include or research please email info@harrogateguide.co.uk
The origins of the name “Harrogate” are intriguing and multifaceted. One theory suggests that it could derive from the Old Norse words “hrgr,” meaning ‘a heap of stones or cairn,’ and “gata,” meaning ‘street.’ In this interpretation, the name might have meant ‘the road to the cairn,’ perhaps signifying a historic route. Another possibility is that it signifies “the way to Harlow.” Historical records mention the form “Harlowgate” as far back as 1518, found in the court rolls of Edward II.
During medieval times, Harrogate was situated at the border of the township of Bilton with Harrogate within the ancient Parish of Knaresborough, and the parish of Pannal, also known as Beckwith with Rossett. Over time, the part within Bilton evolved into the community of High Harrogate, while the part within Pannal grew into the community of Low Harrogate. Both communities were located within the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. In 1372, King Edward III granted the Royal Forest to his son John, Duke of Lancaster, making the Duchy of Lancaster the principal landowner in Harrogate.
The transformation of Harrogate into a Spa Town began in the 17th century. It was towards the end of the 16th century when a traveler, having visited numerous spas, drank from a well in Harrogate and noted that the water tasted like spa water. During that era, it was widely believed that drinking and bathing in spa water had curative properties. This traveler’s endorsement played a pivotal role in Harrogate’s journey to becoming a spa town.
The first well to gain recognition was Tewitt Well, discovered in 1596. Named after a local word for the lapwing bird, the well was initially less frequented due to its distance from Victorian hotels and lodging houses. In 1842, a new structure designed by Isaac Shutt replaced the one enclosing the Royal Pump Room, and the old structure was moved to Tewitt Well. This landmark also inspired the name of the local youth brass band, “The Tewit Youth Band.”
In the 17th and 18th centuries, further chalybeate and sulphur springs were discovered in High and Low Harrogate, attracting a growing number of visitors. Several inns, such as the Queen’s Head, the Granby, the Dragon, and the World’s End, opened in High Harrogate. In Low Harrogate, the Crown was established by the mid-18th century.
The early 1700s marked the introduction of sulphur well bathing and the construction of inns to accommodate visitors. The late 1800s witnessed the discovery of Magnesia Well and the opening of the Royal Baths in 1897. While much of the public land was enclosed in the late 1800s, a significant portion, around 200 acres, remained open to the public. In 1831, the population was approximately 4,000.
With the Enclosure Act of 1770, the Royal Forest of Knaresborough was enclosed, paving the way for the development around The Stray. Throughout the 19th century, High and Low Harrogate, previously separate communities, merged into the central area of Harrogate, positioned on high ground overlooking Low Harrogate. To entertain the growing number of visitors, the Georgian Theatre was built in 1788, followed by the construction of Bath Hospital in 1826 and the Royal Pump Room in 1842.
Harrogate saw notable developments in the 19th century, including the introduction of piped water in 1846, gas lighting in 1847, and the construction of a railway station in 1848, significantly increasing the town’s visitors. The first Mayor was appointed in 1884, followed by the establishment of a Public Library in 1887 and the introduction of electricity in 1897. In 1893, Harrogate doctor George Oliver made the pioneering observation of adrenaline’s effects on circulation.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Harrogate was a favored destination for the English elite and European nobility. However, its popularity waned after World War I. During World War II, the town’s large hotels hosted government offices evacuated from London, setting the stage for its transformation into a commercial, conference, and exhibition center.
Notably, in 2007, a Viking treasure hoard dating back to the 10th century, known as the Harrogate hoard, was discovered near Harrogate. This hoard, consisting of almost 700 coins and items from as far away as Afghanistan, was described by the British Museum as the most significant find of its kind in Britain in 150 years.
Today, central Harrogate is a bustling district, boasting a variety of retail options, including the Victoria Shopping Centre, designer shopping, and upmarket department stores. The town also features a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants. The southern end of central Harrogate is primarily characterized by converted detached houses now used as offices. The town remains a prominent center for business and cultural activities.
Woodlands is a large area in south-east Harrogate which adjoins Starbeck/Knareborough Road. It is home to Harrogate Town F.C., Willow Tree Primary School, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s supermarkets as well as the Woodlands pub.
Bilton is a significant area within Harrogate, known for its churches, stores, and schools. It boasts several schools, including Richard Taylor School, Woodfield, and Bilton Grange. Poets’ Corner stands out for its poetic street names and upscale housing.
Historically, Bilton’s roots date back to the Domesday Book in 1086 when it was first recorded as “Billeton.” The name has Old English origins, signifying a farmstead belonging to a man named Billa. Bilton was historically part of the parish of Knaresborough in the West Riding of Yorkshire. It initially formed a township with Harrogate, and in 1866, it became a civil parish. When Harrogate attained municipal borough status in 1894, Bilton remained separate. In 1896, Starbeck split off from Bilton to form a new civil parish. Finally, in 1938, the civil parish was abolished, with most of Bilton becoming part of Harrogate.
One interesting historical note is the presence of the Leeds and Thirsk Railway in Bilton, opened in 1848. Although no station was built in Bilton, the railway played a significant role. A narrow gauge railway connected the main line to the gas works near the Little Wonder roundabout in 1908. This line operated until 1956, and today, some walls and tunnels are all that remain. Notably, New Park School houses a small museum dedicated to this railway, and a garden known as “The Secret Railway Garden” was created between 2007 and 2008 to commemorate the line.
Bilton west of the railway line experienced development in the 19th and 20th centuries. The parish church of St. John, designed by Gilbert Scott, was constructed between 1851 and 1857 and is now a Grade II* listed building. In contrast, the eastern area of Bilton, known as Old Bilton, has retained a rural character with scattered houses.
Bilton Hall, east of Old Bilton, was originally built as a hunting lodge in 1380 on the orders of John O’Gaunt and later belonged to William Slingsby, who discovered the first spa well in Harrogate. The building was rebuilt in 1853 and is now a care home, situated on a hill facing Knaresborough.
While the main railway line through Bilton closed in 1969, it was reopened as the Nidderdale Greenway, a cycleway and bridleway, in 2013.
Every first May bank holiday, the Bilton Gala is a notable local event, raising funds for various local groups and organizations.
If you have more specific questions or need additional information about Bilton or any other part of Harrogate, please feel free to ask.
On 5 July 2014, the Tour de France Stage 1 from Leeds to Harrogate passed through the village.
Knox in the olden days (credit for this information is due to Alan Gould and the Bilton Historical Society)
The name Knox most probably originates from the Old English “cnocc” or the similar sounding Scots Gaelic “cnoc” meaning a round topped hill, hillock or hump. Hence Knox Hill, the wooded, quarried summit between the A61 Ripon Road and Knox Lane.
Prior to 1850 there was little to see at Knox besides a cornmill, a packhorse bridge and a couple of houses. The corn mill on Knox Mill Lane, which still retains its waterwheel, was most probably built in the first half of the 18th century as the mill house fireplace is inscribed with the year 1745. The mill was obviously a successful and profitable enterprise because John Oliver, who was the mill owner towards the end of the 18th century, also owned land at Church Square.
Spruisty Bridge is somewhat older than the mill, having been built in the 17th century to carry packhorse traffic across the Oak Beck. The ford most probably predates the bridge and it is reputed that the public right of way from Killinghall, through the ford and along Knox Lane, was used by the Cistercian monks of Fountains Abbey. This could be true as the route is an old one leading from the Abbey’s lands near Ripley and continuing through to the south of Bilton where the Abbey had more granges. The importance of this route makes it perfectly feasible that either, or both, of James I and Charles I used the bridge to cross the Oak Beck on their journeys south. If the bridge was only constructed in the 17th century then it is perhaps more likely that Charles I used it in 1646 rather than James I in 1603.
By 1850, Knox was comprised of the corn mill, a couple of houses on the north side of Knox Mill Lane together with some small quarries and the bridge keeper’s house, which was demolished in about 1900. Knox Lane, or Old Trough Lane as it was known at that time, only had a single building on it as you climbed up away from the river before reaching Knox House Farm, the current Knox pub. Knox Hill Farm, which overlooks the Ripon Road, is the only surviving farm from this period. The other farms in the area, Knox Farm and Hill Top (or Red Cat) Farm, were demolished in the second half of the 20th century to make way for new housing developments. They were located at the eastern ends of Knox Grove and Redhill Close respectively.
There were further developments by the end of the Victorian period with the building of the rows of cottages on the northern side of Knox Lane close to the river, together with William Woods’ bleachworks. Woods had a protracted legal dispute with the Harrogate Improvement Commissioners between 1867–1876 claiming damages and compensation because the quality of his bleached linen was being impacted by the sewage contaminated waters of Oak Beck. Woods eventually won his case, but by which time he had closed down his bleach yard, and Harrogate also improved its sewage treatment facilities. The land between the cottages and the bleach yard later became Pettinger’s market garden.
Before the start of World War 1 further developments had taken place in the area. More cottages were built between the mill and the bridge on the north side of Knox Mill Lane and Spruisty Bridge House, the bridge keeper’s house, had been demolished to be replaced by Sunny Bank House (now known as Moorland Court). Old Trough Lane changed its name to Knox Lane and the narrow gauge Barber Line was constructed from the main line coal sidings at Bilton Junction, crossing over Knox Lane near where the current Knox Sawmills are located, before entering a tunnelled section under the hillside and finally emerging at the Harrogate Gas Works at New Park.
There then followed a period of stability before the post-World War 2 major housing developments began. Initially houses were built along the south side of Knox Lane from the Knox Sawmills, which was established in 1952, up to the junction with Crab Lane and Bachelor Gardens. The Barber Line closed in 1958 and the bridge was removed, though the abutments still remain. The construction of the Knox and Redhill estates, between Knox Lane and Skipton Road, was undertaken around 1970 and finally the Kebbell estate on the north side of Knox Lane was built about 10 years later.
Pettinger’s nursery, whose greenhouses suffered a lot of damage during a great hailstorm in July 1968, has closed, as has the little shop in the Knox Lane cottage nearest the Oak Beck. It had been run by Mrs Duffield and later taken over by Mrs I. Smith and featured a large enamel Brooke Bond Tea advertising sign above the door. The ford too has been closed to traffic since the 1980’s. This was perhaps for the best, as it had been a common site to see a vehicle, on one occasion even an ambulance, stranded in the middle of the river.
The Knox Valley Residents Association was formed in the early 1980s and one of its initial remits was to oppose the conversion of the Knox House Farm and barn into a pub. An action which failed, perhaps now fortuitously, since its function room has been used by several organisations, including the Association.
Bilton Historical Society was formed in 1996 to record, investigate and promote an awareness of Bilton’s heritage and future, to unravel the secrets of Bilton’s past, its people, buildings, railways, industry, the royal hunting park and a lost way of life. The Society has successfully completed three Community Archaeology Projects supported by grants from the Local Heritage Initiative.
CHAPTER 3 OF ELEANOR DALE’S BOOK KNOXLANE
Once across Spruisty Bridge we are in Bilton, the other side being Killinghall Parish. For many years the Bilton side was under the administration of Knaresborough Rural District Council before it was incorporated into Harrogate Borough Council. The children on the Bilton side usually attended Bilton Endowed School.
The first cottage on the left after leaving the Beck was a shop kept by a Mrs Duffield and later taken over by Mrs I. Smith. The shop closed sometime in the late 1950s. In the last cottage of the row is the remains of a pump which can still be seen. Next came a market garden run by Mr Pettinger. Between the terrace and the market garden is a gate leading to two fields, at the far side of which two houses were built at the side of the beck; they have long since been demolished My dad rented the two fields from Mr Pettinger and in the summer when the cows slept in the fields my friends and I would be delegated to take the herd to them from Bachelor Gardens after they had been milked in the afternoon, accompanied by the dog. We were instructed to let them graze on the way down on the wide grass verges which are still there today but not so lush or tidy. We were not allocated this task when the gypsies were camped there, which they did about twice a year.
The next row of cottages had a pump in a garden, this faced on to the pavement. I can remember when our second form teacher Miss Dickinson took us for nature walks down to the Beck, the boys would run forward to work the pump handle and flood the pavement before she could stop them.
Half way up Knox Lane a red iron bridge crossed over the road and carried the light railway into a tunnel on its way to New Park Gas Works; this, of course, was the Barber Line which enabled coal to be hauled from Bilton Junction to New Park. The tunnel came out near to the playground of New Park School. Sometimes, on its way back from the gasworks it would pull tankers containing tar oil. The line became extinct after the Second World War. The Barber engine is currently in a sorry state at Armley Mills Museum, Leeds awaiting restoration. Once the railway closed coal was hauled by road from Bilton Junction.
Beyond the bridge the land bordering Knox Lane belonged to three farms. To the left, where the Kebbel Estate now is, the first two fields were cornfields and the next field, the biggest, was a pasture. On the right of the Lane the first field belonged to Lambs Farm and was quite rocky. On the brow of the hill stood an old barn which I believe was home to many barn owls. This was demolished when the Knox and Ripley Estate was built. Next was a field that had been used as a market garden by the same market gardener who worked the Bachelor Gardens plot. My dad bought this field from Mr Carter and farmed it until after the Second World War. Before the War dad had sold the frontage to Mr F. Wilkinson who built the first houses on Knox Lane, later he purchased the rest of the field for development. The next field, where Knox Avenue is, belonged to Hill Top Farm. Bilton Cricket Club played cricket on the flat area of this field for many years. As children we would go and watch the game but if anyone misbehaved the grown up spectators would send us home in disgrace. We were not permitted to be noisy either. When Mr Thackray gave up farming and the farm changed hands the cricket club moved to land near the church before purchasing land on Bilton Lane where the fine ground and clubhouse are today. At the top of Knox Lane, at its junction with Bachelor Gardens and Crab are two stone cottages which are very old, but more of this next time.
KNOX HAMLET
by Eleanor Dale
Little is known about Knox Hamlet but I have seen a book (source unknown) that there used to be a bleach mill in the 1600s but after complaints about bleach in the water it was closed; I wonder if the site was where the com mill stood. The house at the old corn mill has a 1745 date inscribed over the fireplace so the mill itself is probably older. The grindstones were turned by a water wheel fed by a mill race, this flowed through fields on the west of Ripon Road then under Ripon Road near the entrance to Knox Mill Lane. Water for the mill race, which is now overgrown and dry, came from Oak Beck. The Oak Beck flowed past New Park Laundry and when the laundry was using the beck water it was difficult to get the water wheel at Knox to turn so the manager of the mill, Walter Stray, would get a friend of mine, Mrs Mary Robinson, and his daughter Eva to tread the wheel to start it. That meant walking up the wheel but never reaching the top.
I do not know the history of the cottages at Knox but I do know that when the Beck used to flood it would go into the cottages flooding the downstairs rooms.
The big house at Knox is called Moorland Court and was owned and lived in by Mr Robson who was a Director of the Aire and Calder Water Board. I am not sure, but he may have owned some of the farm land of Spruisty Farm because he had a boathouse on the banks of the River Nidd. At the side of the Lodge to Moorland Court are some stone steps which are part of a public right of way over the fields to Killinghall Bridge. It was known as Mills Bottom and the stone steps are reputed to have been used by the monks of Fountains Abbey. This could be true as the road is an old one leading from the Fountains Abbey lands near Ripley and continuing through Bilton to the south where Fountains Abbey had granges.
The packhorse bridge, Spruisty Bridge, over Oak Beck is said to have been used by James 6th of Scotland and 1st of England on his journey to London to take the English Crown. This too could be true because the wagons of his entourage would have been able to pass through the ford.
So far everything described has been in the Killinghall side of Oak Beck; in the next newsletter we will take a walk up Knox Lane on the Bilton side.
Knox north of the town, is separated from Bilton by greenbelt. It straddles Oak Beck, which vehicles used to be able to cross via a ford. This route was blocked in the 1980s and the beck can now be crossed only by pedestrians and cyclists using the adjacent Spruisty packhorse bridge. Cars must go via the A61 (Ripon) road.
Hornbeam Park is a small, recently developed area accessed only by Hookstone Road. It was developed as an office park and retains many offices, but now contains Harrogate College (a campus of Hull University), a Nuffield fitness and wellbeing centre, Travel Inn and restaurant, hospice and some small warehouses. It is served by Hornbeam Park railway station to Harrogate and Leeds.
Knaresborough’s rich history takes us on a journey back to the first century AD when the town was first established. The formidable Knaresborough Castle, which dates as far back as 1100 AD, marked the town’s early days during the Norman rule. It was a time of growth, as Knaresborough became a bustling center with a thriving market that drew people from various regions. The town is brimming with history, from the 12th-century hermit’s cave to 19th-century riverside buildings that played a role in the local textiles industry. Notably, Knaresborough is even mentioned in the Domesday Book as Cenheard’s fortress.
During this time, the St. John’s parish church was established, and Knaresborough saw its first Lord, Serlo de Burgh, around 1115. The town’s history is colored with intriguing figures, including Blind Jack, who, despite losing his vision, became a pioneering road builder in the 1900s and can still be found on a bench in Market Square. The town’s public art trail showcases historical figures like Guy Fawkes and King John.
In the 12th century, Hugh de Morville took over the Honour of Knaresborough, but his involvement in the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket led to the forfeiture of his lands. The Stuteville family later held the Honour until King John effectively claimed it for himself. It was in Knaresborough that the first Maundy Money was distributed by King John in 1210.
Knaresborough has a fascinating past of royal charters, sieges, and regional importance. The railway era began in 1848, connecting the town to the broader transportation network. Even today, the town remains a charming destination for tourists, with attractions like Old Mother Shipton’s Cave and Ripley Castle.
In modern times, Knaresborough has evolved into a commuter town with a bustling town center featuring various supermarkets, retailers, and dining options. It serves as a local hub for surrounding villages and boasts a small tourism industry. The town is home to primary and secondary schools, offering educational opportunities for its residents. Sports enthusiasts can find football, rugby, and cricket clubs, contributing to the town’s vibrant community. Knaresborough remains a place where history and contemporary life coexist, creating a unique and lively atmosphere.
The History of Pateley Bridge from the Middle Ages
In the early Middle Ages, Pateley Bridge’s location was situated within the lands of the Archbishop of York, known as Bishopside. Surprisingly, during the 12th century, the primary settlement within Bishopside was actually Wilsill, not Pateley. The first recorded mention of Pateley dates back to 1175, when it was referred to as Patleiagate. Forms from the 14th century included Patheleybrig(ge). The origins of the name can be dissected as follows: the final elements come from Old Norse “gata,” meaning ‘street,’ and the northern dialect form “brig,” meaning ‘bridge.’
The “Pateley” part of the name has sparked some debate. The common explanation is that it derives from Old English “pæþ,” meaning ‘path,’ in the genitive plural form “paða,” combined with “lah,” signifying ‘open ground’ or ‘clearing in a forest.’ Thus, “paða lah” would translate to “woodland clearing of the paths,” likely referring to the intersecting paths leading up Nidderdale and from Ripon to Craven at this location. However, during the Middle Ages, variations like Padlewath and Patheslayewathe competed with this interpretation. These alternatives might be connected to Middle English “padil,” meaning ‘a shallow place in water,’ and Old Norse “vath,” meaning ‘ford.’ This suggests that there might be some influence from these names. Contrary to local lore, the idea that the name stems from ‘Pate,’ an old Yorkshire dialect word for ‘Badger,’ appears to be incorrect.
In 1320, the Archbishop of York granted a charter for a market and fair at Pateley. From the 14th century until the early 20th century, Scotgate Ash Quarry was a major source of hard-wearing sandstone on the northern flank above Pateley Bridge. When the railway arrived in Nidderdale, this stone was transported by train and used in railway platforms, national buildings, and harbour walls. The quarry ultimately closed in 1915.
Pateley Bridge railway station served as the terminus of the railway line from Nidd Valley Junction, near Harrogate, until 1964. Between 1907 and 1937, the Nidd Valley Light Railway extended further up the dale. Nowadays, access to Pateley Bridge is primarily by road, with an hourly bus service from Harrogate.
Historically, Pateley Bridge was part of the Lower Division of Claro Wapentake. During 19th-century local government reforms, it fell within the Pateley Bridge Poor Law Union, later the Pateley Bridge Rural Sanitary District, and from 1894, the Pateley Bridge Rural District. In 1937, the rural district merged into Ripon and Pateley Bridge Rural District. Since 1974, the town has been within the Borough of Harrogate in North Yorkshire.
Pateley Bridge serves as the largest settlement in the civil parish of High and Low Bishopside, which was historically a township in the larger parish of Ripon. High and Low Bishopside became a civil parish in 1866. In 1986, Pateley Bridge was granted town status, and the High and Low Bishopside Parish Council was renamed Pateley Bridge Town Council. Nonetheless, the official name of the parish remains High and Low Bishopside.
The parish is bordered by the River Nidd to the west and includes a significant expanse of moorland to the east of the town. Other settlements within the parish encompass the southern part of Wath, Glasshouses, Wilsill, Blazefield, and Fellbeck. Notably, the Nidderdale showground and the district of Bridgehouse Gate, both on the west bank of the Nidd, are outside the parish boundaries in Bewerley.
The 2001 census reported a population of just over 2,000 for the parish, which increased to 2,210 in the 2011 Census.
The Nidderdale Way and Six Dales Trail both traverse the town, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Pateley Bridge also boasts several sports teams, collectively known as ‘The Badgers,’ competing in football, cricket, and crown green bowling. Additionally, Nidderdale Pool and Leisure Centre offers a 20-meter swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a sports hall, and two squash courts, serving the local community since its official opening in 2005.
One of Pateley Bridge’s claims to fame is the “Oldest Sweet Shop in England,” established in 1827. It holds the distinction of being the longest continuously trading sweet shop globally, as validated by the Guinness World Records Book in 2014. The shop is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Pateley Bridge.
In the contemporary era, Pateley Bridge offers a wide range of accommodations, including cottages, guest houses, and B&Bs. The town is home to numerous places to dine, featuring local cuisine and homemade dishes. Quaint local shops and tea rooms add to the charm of the town. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to stock up on their favorite traditional sweets at England’s Oldest Sweet Shop. The Nidderdale Museum, located in the Original Victorian workhouse, showcases a cobbler’s shop, schoolroom, and a collection of relics and artifacts, providing insights into the Yorkshire way of life.
And in September, make sure not to miss the Nidderdale show, an annual agricultural event held on the Pateley showground. The Pateley Bridge Show is one of the premier shows in the North of England, featuring an array of marquees, events, and stalls offering a variety of things to see and purchase.
Pateley Bridge today is a vibrant and historically rich town that welcomes visitors to experience its unique charm and vibrant culture.
Ripon, a captivating cathedral city nestled within the Borough of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, England, is steeped in history and heritage. This picturesque city, historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, is strategically positioned at the confluence of the Laver and Skell, two tributaries of the majestic River Ure. Its most prominent feature is Ripon Cathedral, a magnificent architectural marvel that has captivated visitors for centuries.
Ripon boasts a rich tapestry of historical significance, dating back over 1,300 years. Its origins can be traced to the 7th century, when it was founded by Saint Wilfrid during the heyday of the Anglian kingdom of Northumbria. During this period, Ripon held a pivotal role in the religious landscape of Great Britain.
The city’s history is punctuated by Viking rule and Norman influence. Following a brief period of construction under the Plantagenets, Ripon flourished with a thriving wool and cloth industry. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it gained acclaim for its production of spurs, which were widely sought after.
Interestingly, while the Industrial Revolution transformed many cities, Ripon remained relatively untouched by its impact. With a population of 16,702 according to the 2011 United Kingdom Census, Ripon is one of the smallest cities in England.
In its earliest days, the area now known as Ripon was under the control of the Brigantes, a Brythonic tribe. The Romans did not establish a settlement in Ripon but had a military outpost nearby. The first structure in the area, the Christian church dedicated to St. Peter, marked the genesis of Ripon in 658.
The city’s early settlers were skilled craftsmen, including stonemasons, glaziers, and plasterers, whom Wilfrid recruited from Lyon in Francia and Byzantine-ruled Rome to assist in the construction of Ripon Monastery.
Ripon faced its share of challenges, including the Great Heathen Army’s invasion of Norse Vikings in Northumbria. Despite periods of turmoil, Ripon persevered and even became a sanctuary granted by King Athelstan in 937.
Following the Norman conquest and the Harrying of the North, a devastating event that claimed many lives, Ripon’s prominence waned. The church’s lands were transferred to St. Peter’s Church at York, leading to the construction of a grand Collegiate Church atop Wilfrid’s original building.
The 12th century witnessed the rise of a flourishing wool trade in Ripon, attracting Italian trade merchants, especially Florentines. The city’s proximity to Fountains Abbey, renowned for sheep farming, was a key advantage.
With the English Reformation under Henry VIII, Ripon faced significant challenges as the Abbot of Fountains, William Thirske, was expelled. The region also played a role in the events surrounding Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Rising of the North.
Ripon transitioned from textiles to spur manufacturing in the 16th century, earning a reputation for producing high-quality spurs. The city was even granted a Royal Charter by King James I in 1604.
During the English Civil War, Ripon remained loyal to the royalist cause, with Oliver Cromwell making notable visits. The city’s communication improved with the opening of Ripon railway station in 1848.
In the First World War, Ripon hosted a large military training camp and offered hospitality to soldiers’ wives and Flemish refugees. The racecourse served as both a military airfield and a demobilization center.
Ripon holds a unique place in history as the first Church of England diocese created after the English Reformation. In 1836, the existing Chester and York dioceses were divided, and Ripon’s high-status parish church was promoted to cathedral status.
In 1974, Ripon borough was incorporated into Harrogate borough, and the city’s administrative boundaries shifted. Today, the city of Ripon encompasses the parish council area, including its settlement and the surrounding rural expanse, with one of the lowest populations among England’s cities.
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