Ripon MuseumsThe Yorkshire Law and Order Museums |
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Ripon MuseumsThe Yorkshire Law and Order Museums |
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Looking for a February half term visit with a difference? All three Ripon Museums will be open early this year from Saturday 14 February to Saturday 21 February from 10 am to 4 pm and then daily from 1 April. New this season at the Prison & Police Museum will be an exhibition by young offenders and there is a chance to sit astride a police BMW motor bike. And at the Workhouse come and see the restored historic garden taking shape.
On Saturday 13th December 2008 the Workhouse Museum hosted a special event to recreate the atmosphere of Victorian times.
The year is 1892, the Old Queen is in the fifty-fifth year of her reign and at the Ripon Union Workhouse Guardians, staff and inmates are preparing for Christmas and the annual visit of the Mayor and Mayoress.
Inspired by local press reports from the time, festive decorations, seasonal refreshments, a well-stocked toy shop and activities for all ages (including rag rugging, laundry duties and paper chain making) set the scene and formed the backdrop to the event.
Tours of the Workhouse, led by either a Guardian or an inmate, took visitors on a journey through history, with professionals and local volunteers in authentic costume taking the roles of paupers, inmates, staff and local dignitaries. (11am - 3.30pm approx).
A visit by the Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon and entertainment, provided by singers from Greystone CP School and the Ripon Handbell Ringers, combined to leave a lasting impression!
This was a free event, thanks to a grant from MLA Yorkshire.
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Ambitious plans to expand and improve Ripon's Workhouse Museum have received the welcome support of the National Lottery. Grant funding of up to £837,000 has been earmarked by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) towards the £930,000 project. Ripon Museum Trust, the charity which runs the three Yorkshire Law and Order Museums will now finalise its detailed plans to allow release of the money later in the year. The grant means the Workhouse Museum can be enlarged and refurbished to provide a better experience for visitors including the growing number of educational groups. An access and learning manager will be appointed to help drive forward this aim. Building work will take place over next winter with the museum set to reopen in Spring 2009.
The Museum currently occupies the east wing of the gatehouse of the former Ripon Union Workhouse now known as Sharow View in Allhallowgate. Negotiations with the building's owners, North Yorkshire County Council, are at an advanced stage and the Museum Trust hopes shortly to take possession of the whole gatehouse building together with the land at the rear of the site which was once the workhouse garden. The Heritage Lottery Fund grant will allow the museum to grow in stature with a new reception and toilets, improved displays, room for research and the former Guardians Room made accessible by a new lift. The Museum Trust will be joined by Ripon Local Studies Research Centre who will have a secure base in the west wing and may be joined by other like-minded organisations.
The Trust has launched an appeal for further funding to add to this ambitious project. This would allow the frontage to Allhallowgate to be restored to its former glory with the railings and gates put back and the building floodlit. In addition derelict land at the rear will be restored as a functioning workhouse historic garden with the help of volunteers.
Commenting on the Heritage Lottery Fund decision, Museum Trust Chairman Richard Taylor said: "This is tremendous news not only for the Workhouse Museum but for Ripon and the region. We are very grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for once again putting their support behind the Trust, following our grant-aided refurbishment of the Prison and Police Museum in 2004. This Stage 1 approval for substantial grant from the HLF shows their confidence that the Ripon Museum Trust can once again deliver a worthwhile product. The Ripon workhouse is almost certainly the best-preserved in Yorkshire and deserves to be restored and made accessible to a wide audience. We intend to rise to the challenge to produce a museum of outstanding quality which will be a major asset to the city of Ripon and to the region as a whole. Meanwhile, we are already hard at work planning for another successful season this year. The three Law and Order Museums reopen daily from Good Friday. As ever, volunteers are the backbone of our organisation and I extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to join us at this exciting time".
Fiona Spiers, Heritage Lottery Fund Regional Manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "This grade II listed building is unique in the North of England and stands as a lasting mark of the experience that thousands of people suffered. Today's news will enable the Trust to build on their ever popular education programmes and bring history to life for new generations."
Download the Trust's appeal brochure (PDF - size 1.6Mb).
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On Saturday 4th August 2007, at approx 1pm, four items were stolen from locked dislay cases in the Prison and Police Museum, St Marygate, Ripon. Two sets of handcuffs, complete with boxes and manufactured by Hiatts, were part of the most complete public collection in Britain. Two cross-belts, from the mounted police display, came to the Ripon Museum Trust from the former Constabularies of Bradford and the North Riding.
These items formed part of the superb collections in this museum, gathered over the years by two former curators, Dr John Whitehead, President of the Trust and Ralph Lindley, Vice President. They were given to the Trust for the perpetual display to, and enjoyment of, the public and they are irreplaceable. Following this incident, the Ripon Museum Trust will be reviewing and stepping up its security.
Although the museum was very busy at the time of the theft, the police have a good description of two white males in their 40s, acting suspiciously. Have these thieves stolen 'to order'; or will the items appear on a stall at a car boot sale? If anyone reading this has information which may assist, we appeal to them to contact Ripon Police Station on 0845 6060247 or the museum curators, Anthony Chadwick tel. 01765 604145 or Chris Hewitt on 01765 609327, or email info@riponmuseums.co.uk .
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In 1830, the 'new' Ripon Liberty Courthouse, replacing its medieval predecessor, was nearing completion. The Royal Coat of Arms of the reigning monarch, George the Fourth, was painted and ready to be hung over the Bench. Shortly before the official opening at Michelmas, King George died. The Coat of Arms had to be hastily altered to that of his successor, his brother William.
Now, 177 years later, this painting of the Royal Coat of Arms of William IV has undergone conservation by local expert, David Everingham. The work involved consolidating flaking paint, removing dust & dirt and thinning discoloured varnish.
There to receive it were the new curator of the museum, Marguerite Moss and the Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon, Councillor John Stockdale and Mrs Gloria Sturdy. Marguerite, in her first official duty, expressed her delight and commented: "Over the years the painting had darkened considerably. This conservation has revealed colours not seen before, especially the blue of the garter and the gold leaf". Penny Hartley, Museums Manager, expressed gratitude to the City Council for the grant which assisted with the cost of this exciting conservation.
Visitors to the Courthouse in Minster Road can see the painting, back in its original position, during normal opening times.
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Neil Denison, Head of Fingerprints at West Yorkshire Police formally opened a new exhibition, sponsored by WYP, entitled 'Doing Dabs... 100 Years of Fingerprinting' at the Prison and Police Museum, St Marygate, Ripon. Also attending were Jo Huddleston, Fingerprints Officer WYP and designer of this exhibition, Peter Swann - former Head of the Fingerprint Bureau WYP and Sir Lawrence Byford - former Chief Inspector of Constabulary 1983 -87.
They were greeted by Chris Hewitt, newly-appointed Curator of the Prison and Police Museum, Ralph Lindley, former Curator, now Vice President of the Trust and Jill Wilkinson, Publicity Officer.
In addition to the formal exhibition (and for this one day only), the team from Wakefield brought some state-of-the-art technology to try out on visitors. The mini 'Livescan' system is used for taking fingerprints in custody units. Hand-held consoles are being trialled by the Motorway unit in Operation Lantern, offering a rapid fingerprinting capability to officers on patrol, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
Sir Norman Bettison, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police has recently accepted an invitation to become a Patron of the Ripon Museum Trust. Unfortunately he couldn't attend the day's event but we look forward to welcoming him in the near future.
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Last year the distinctive 'peeler' figure, displayed outside the Prison and Police Museum during opening times, was unaccountably abducted after being inadvertently left out overnight. Despite a number of appeals, all investigations drew a blank and we were reduced to commissioning a replacement. Mysteriously, and most unexpectedly, the figure has recently been returned to us!
The full story of his disappearance is shrouded in mystery; but we understand that he was found in the attic of a local house by the new owner. He appears to be none the worse for his 'adventures' and the Ripon Gazette gave the hand-over front page coverage.
As we now have two figures, we intend to put the 'old' chap to good use, possibly outside the Courthouse (well-secured) when we are open.
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Tuesday 7th March was a special day in the story of the Ripon Prison and Police Museum with the arrival of its first Royal visitor - His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent. Accompanied by Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, The Lord Crathorne and attended by His Private Secretary and His Personnel Protection Officer, HRH had timed this visit perfectly as it coincided with the silver jubilee of the Ripon Museum Trust est.1981.
After meeting patrons, principle fund-raisers and several members of the Trust, the Duke was escorted around by the Hon. Curator, Ralph Lindley, in full Victorian Peeler uniform. On the upper floor, there was a surprise in store - two of the figures moved! Matron Jones had deserted her post at the Workhouse to ensure that the former Liberty Gaol was sparkling for this special visitor, and PC61 was doing a final security sweep, Victorian-style, to ensure his safety.
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Two Australian sisters met at Ripon's Courthouse Museum to discover more about their own family history.
Mrs Lisa Bell travelled from Melbourne specifically to join her sister, Mrs Deborah Brown, to visit the former Liberty Court in Minster Road, Ripon and learn more about the background of John Naylor (their great great great great grandfather) who was convicted and transported to Australia 169 years ago for stealing a bag of coal. He served his seven year sentence and went on to establish a successful life in Victoria.
Mrs Bess Chapman, Curator of the Courthouse Museum and former Magistrate, welcomed the ladies and went on to show them around the exhibition and make an appropriate presentation of some Black Sheep Ale and a limited edition photograph of the Naylor family tree.
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In 2004, the Harrogate Sea Cadets agreed to be locked in at the former Ripon Liberty Gaol, in aid of charity. After spending a night in the cells and eating authentic prison food from the 1850s, they were tried at the Courthouse, put in the stocks, marched through the city streets in chains, and set to work in the yard of the Workhouse. Released for good behaviour at dusk, their efforts had realised £966.52 in sponsorship and collections. These monies were divided between St Michael's Hospice, Ripon Museum Trust and the Sea Cadets.
On 19th and 20th August 2005, undeterred by last year's harsh ordeal, the bold Sea Cadets of Harrogate repeated this challenge and aimed to go one step further in the name of charity. This they did to great effect, raising a grand total of £2000.07. The recipients this year will be Ripon Community House, MND Association, Ripon Museum Trust and the Sea Cadets.
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The Workhouse Museum was opened on Saturday 14th of May 2005 from 8pm to 10pm. This special, one night only, first time event was held to participate in a European 'Night of Museums' and link up with museums all over Europe. See www.nuitsdesmusees.fr.
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Funding by Yorkshire Forward's Single Regeneration Budget, with the support of Ripon City Partnership and Harrogate Borough Council, made possible an exciting and stunning project at the former Liberty Courthouse.
The three rooms which make up this Georgian gem have been redecorated in the colours used when the building opened at Michelmas 1830. Paint analyst, Mr Nigel Leaney of Lincoln generously gave his time and expertise, taking samples from all parts of the building, analysing these under the microscope to determine the precise colours and then mixing the paints to the exact shades. These were sent to the decorator, Stuart Weatherhead of Pateley Bridge, whose team started in December 2004.
The Official Opening Ceremony took place on Tuesday, 15th of March, 2005 at 11am. On the steps of the Courthouse, the Clerk to the Court (Barry Gwilt Esq.), welcomed Will Swales, and invite him to officially open the refurbished Courthouse. This gesture bridged the years from 1848, when Will's great great uncle, Ward Swale of Smelthouses, Nidderdale was sentenced in this court 'to be transported beyond the seas for 7 years'. Will Swales' own account of his ancestor's story can be viewed at www.ihgs.ac.uk/competition/ward_swale.php.
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The newly refurbished Prison and Police Museum in St Marygate was officially opened at midday on Tuesday 26 October by the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire, Miss Della Cannings, and the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Mrs Caroline Thornton-Berry JP DL.
The West Yorkshire Police Band played on the Market Place from 10.45 to 11.00 as guests were received at the Town Hall by the Mayor, Cllr. Stuart Martin. At 11.40 the band led the procession along Kirkgate and down past the Cathedral to the Prison and Police Museum on St Marygate. A peeler and his prisoner (circa 1829 vintage) joined in the celebrations.
Housed in the Grade II* listed Georgian building and former Ripon House of Correction, the museum reopened to the public on 1st May 2004, following an 18 month restoration project costing over £400,000. The restoration was made possible by a £285,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Fiona Spiers, Heritage Lottery Fund Regional Manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "HLF is delighted to have been able to support this project which has restored and preserved a building of national heritage whilst ensuring that the museum collection of regional importance is accessible for all. It is wonderful that this restoration project has involved local people at every opportunity."
Local architect, John Witherick, oversaw the improvements to the museum with the help of a skilled workforce led by the main contractors - Ripon-based Alltons - with several local firms and individual craftsmen working together during this period. The building has been carefully restored inside and out to exacting conservation standards whilst level floors and a lift now give full access for all to the museum. Heating means that the guides no longer need to wear thermals!
Commenting on the scale of the project Trust Chairman Richard Taylor, said: "I am amazed at what our volunteers have been able to achieve. Since the empty building was handed back to the Trust, members and friends have 'Done Time' to the tune of over 2,400 hours of work. This time has been valued at £53,000 and provided nearly half of our partnership funding." Richard went on to add, "Trust members, friends and volunteers from the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels have scraped, painted, swept, scrubbed, polished, researched stories, refurbished exhibits, prepared graphics, made costumes and even created new inmates."
Ralph Lindley, the Trust's Honorary Curator, who has had the huge challenge of bringing this latter part of the programme to a successful conclusion, commented: "It has been hard work for long hours but certainly worth it".
Hands-on exhibits, try-on uniforms and an opportunity to work-out the futile punishments meted out a century ago, all feature alongside new collections. The Trust invites all to come and see displays which, as well as being educational and enlightening, are fun.
In the 5 months since reopening, over 5000 visitors have 'done time'. Prebooked groups, from schools, colleges and the U3A; from France, Canada and Scandinavia have relished the experience and have appreciated the personal guided tours. "Our dedicated team of 20 volunteer guides has put in over 900 hours of their time to ensure the Museum has opened daily" added Ralph Lindley.
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