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13
Oct
New Ripon museum will dig deeper into the city's history
The opportunity to dig deeper into Ripon’s rich and remarkable history is coming soon with the opening in May of a new museum in the city.
While Ripon Museums' Workhouse, Prison & Police and Courthouse heritage attractions provide unique insights into poverty, crime and punishment in the Victorian era, the new venture being launched by Antony Prince, Simon Richardson and Andy Bates, will feature archaeological artefacts dating back thousands of years and up to the First World War.
The founders of RHATs – Ripon History and Archaeology Tribe – have, with the support of Ripon Museum Trust, been able to progress their plans thanks to Nexus Dental Laboratory, which operates from The Old Chapel on Coltsgate Hill.
Archaeologist Mr Bates, who specialises in medieval leathercraft and is a mentor on the BBC One TV programme, Make It at Market, told the Stray Ferret:
Thanks to the immense kindness of the Nexus directors Steven Campbell and Iain Baldwin, we have secured the most remarkable premises for this undertaking.
Our museum will be housed on the first floor of the building and we will be taking over management of the space shortly.
Refurbishment works will be carried out during the winter months, as we aim for a grand opening ceremony in May, attended by a well-known TV historian.
RHATs founders, from the left: Simon Richardson, Antony Prince and Andy Bates
Mr Richardson is one of the UK's leading battlefield detectorists, and his work has been featured on TV programmes about theatres of war ranging from Towton in Yorkshire to Agincourt in northern France. He pointed out:
The museum will be dedicated to the archaeology and history of Ripon and the surrounding area and will display previously unseen collections of international importance which are in our possession.
We are also working with the Mercer Gallery in Harrogate in order to relocate and rehome Ripon artefacts which they have in storage there.
In addition to the exhibits, there will be reconstructions, objects to handle, demonstrations, talks and lectures.
Earlier this year, historian and author Mr Prince published the book Forged in War Ripon Camp 1914-1919, which unearthed fascinating facts about the city’s crucial role in the First World War. He said:
We will also be using the space for training courses, community events, performances and displays, all for the benefit of Ripon and its people.
The Old Chapel on Coltsgate Hill.
Since its foundation in May 2023, Ripon's History and Archaeology Tribe has steadily grown, with members kept informed through Facebook posts and monthly meetings.
Some have become involved as volunteers on community digs, including one carried out last month at the One Eyed Rat in Allhallowgate, which unearthed artefacts dating back to Roman times.
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