RIPON NORTH TRANSEPT PARKER

There were a series of re-buildings of the Ripon Cathedral. During the reign of Henry II new work was begun by Archbishop Roger de Pont l’Evêque (1154-1181). He re-built the entire church except for the crypt and some work in choir. It is considered as one of the greatest pieces of a style called Norman Transitional. The majority of this work remains. This is an example of the structure.

The length of the Transepts is 43 feet. The North Transept is 34 feet wide, or 52 feet if the 'aisle' is included. It is almost as its builders left it, and is among the most famous examples of the architecture of the age of Henry II and Thomas à Becket, when the early English style was being developed from the Norman.

Ripon suffered damage and desecration during the Reformation and even more during the Civil War. In 1660 the spire of the central tower collapsed causing damage to the choir stalls, and in 1664 the spires of the twin towers had to be removed for reasons of safety.

Ripon was neglected in the 18th century but the church underwent considerable restoration in the 19th century after it was elevated to cathedral status in 1836.

The publisher of the card is George Parker of Kirkgate House, Ripon.