One of the most amazing facts about Holy Trinity is that the church was built in just 15 months (at a cost of £13,000), according to A Short History of Trinity Church, Ripon, published on the church's centenary anniversary in 1927.
It was built and endowed by Rev Edward Kilvington. The architects were Thomas Taylor and Lees Hammerton, and Joseph Nowell was the contractor for all works. July 28 1827, the day the foundation stone was laid, was apparentlya hot one; Nowell's baby, born shortly beforehand, had the honour of being the first baby baptised in the church - by Archbishop of York, who had come to consecrate the church.
The new church was considered so important that a public subscription was made towards the cost of re-paving its Blossomgate approach.
Edward Kilvington became the first vicar; John Wray (a seaman who served at the Battle of Trafalgar) the first sexton, and Thomas Lindley, a retired soldier who had served many years in the East Indies, the first clerk.
The church's first wedding was between Thomas Sweeting and Beatrice Tuting, on 10 November 1827. The fee at the time was 11/6, including double fees to the dean and chapter. Banns were published for 1/6.
The first funeral was that of William Harrison, aged 65, on November 7, 1827. Burials cost 4d and took place after the Sunday service, or cost 5/- extra if required at another time, in which case they took place after 4pm on any other day.
In 1881, a rumour went round Ripon to the effect that both the cathedral's and Holy Trinity's churchyards were full, permitting no futher burials. An anonymous letter had been sent to the home secretary; an investigation followed; the allegation was found to be untrue, and 'interference quite unnecessary'.
During the Great War, 276 men went from the parish and congregation to serve King and country; 68 never returned.
For further infomation about Holy Trinity's history, please contact Sue Fairman via the church office. |
