‘R’ is for Ripon and Romanesque.

Beneath the crossing at Ripon is what is left of a crypt AD 672; no other cathedral has anything as ancient under its stones. Originally St Wilfred, the missionary, returned from Rome and built his church on a basilican pattern. Every piece was swept away in 950.  In 1080 the Normans moved in.

However Ripon is prized for its Early English and Transitional styles, there is a ripping example of the latter in the south transept wall with a mix of semi-circular and pointed arches.

Sir Ninian Comper, a Scottish born architect and one of the last of the great Gothic Revival architects contributes an eastern reredos (1922).  

Extract from my new book, English Cathedrals. Capturing the wonder of these very special places in 60 exciting drawings. Order via http://bit.ly/2tbCoE

PREVIEW MORE HERE http://bit.ly/timhome2go