Ripon Historic Festival - 1906

"The 1906 Ripon Historic Festival, similar to those held in 1886 and 1896, was held on 19, 20 and 21 July in Elmscrofts Park, where the new Spa Hydro was in the course of erection. The celebrations included a reception for visiting mayors and VIP guests at the Pump Room, a luncheon, a grand tournament of knights in armour, the Queen of Beauty competition, a Pageant of Ripon history, ballet by school children, Maypole dancing, a grand dance and procession through Ripon streets. Special trains were run from all parts of the county, together with one excursion from London. The Festival was considered a great success ending as it did with a deficit of less than £180."
From A Ripon Record 1887-1986

The following photographs were taken by Sir Benjamin Stone (1836-1914). He created the National Photographic Record Association (NPRA). Between 1897 and 1910 it recorded the customs, festivals, and architecture valued at the time to foster, as noted in The Times (4 April 1897 p. 6 col. 6), 'a national pride in the historical associations of the country, or neighbourhood, [or] in family traditions'.

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Spa Gardens - 1915

A postcard dated 1915 showing the Spa Gardens in Ripon. Formerly the Drill Field in Park Street, the land had been purchased for gardens at the end of 1901, and with work progressing rapidly the new public space opened in the spring of 1902. 

The same scene in 2015.

North Bridge, Station and Server's Fountain - 1917

The entrance to North Bridge from a postcard dated 1917. In the distance, on the left can be seen the station and on the right, the railway bridge. In front stands Server's fountain. The drinking fountain with four spouts and two troughs, was erected in 1875 by Dr John Server. Its purpose was give provide drinking water for people passing over the bridge, and animals on their way to market. In 1929 it was moved to Spa Park, minus its crown, lamp and most of its base.

Server's Fountain as it now looks in Spa Park.

Kirkgate, Ripon - 1963

Kirkgate looking down towards the Cathedral as it appeared in 1963.

And the same, but quieter, view from April 2015. Changes are mostly subtle, the

greater width of the pavement being the most obvious.

Children in paddling pool, Ripon - 1906

A group of Edwardian children by a paddling pool in Ripon.
Dated 1906,  the exact location is unknown.

Territorials on North Bridge - 1911

This photo is from a Mrs Earle of Paignton, a lady who had the distinction of being one of Britain's first female zoo keepers. It belonged to her father who was in the territorial battalion of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. He served every day of WWI and survived, and then, being by that time a reserve officer, every day of WWII. This is the battalion marching down North Road past the, now closed, Station Hotel. with thanks to Chris Smith

The same view in 2015

North Bridge (early 20th Century)

A photograph of troops coming down from the station. The building on the right housed a steam engine and boilers. The building was designed by Thomas Prosser and was built in 1863. Its purpose was to pump water from the River Ure below, to keep the locomotives continually supplied.

The same view in 2015

Views on North Street

Empty shop with mannequin for sale. 2013

Advertising bike outside Marleys the butchers. 2013