A 15th century font in Ripon Cathedral is set to be moved for the first time since 1722 to a more prominent spot.
The font, made of blue-grey English limestone, is currently located towards the western end of the south aisle.
The cathedral has applied to Harrogate Borough Council for planning permission to relocate the font to the western end of the nave, where it will be visible on entry from any of the west doors.
The minster also wants to fit the font into a new two-step stone plinth with bronze handrail and decorative polished marble finish.
The font, which is believed to date back to the mid-to-late 1400s, survived the Reformation although it is thought to have been damaged during the later English Civil War.
There is a record of the font being repaired by stonemason Henry Lawson for 10 shillings and six pence (52.5p in today’s currency) in 1662.
The proposed extension of Ripon Cathedral, as seen in this artist’s impression, is one of the main reasons for relocating the font.
It was last moved in 1772 when its current stepped base was constructed.
The proposed move is partly due to the planned extension of the cathedral which, if approved, will require the creation of a new entrance to the ancient building.
A document produced by York archaeologists FAS Heritage says:
“A feasibility study is being undertaken as part of the Ripon Cathedral Renewed project, to explore the possibility of providing a new access through the south aisle south wall of the church. The font is situated within the bay of the proposed access.”
Besides moving the font, the planning application sets out plans to carry out structural repairs on the item.
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It also proposes using York stone pavers to the south nave aisle to replace the font plinth, in keeping with the surrounding York stone paving.
The cathedral has a second 12th century font at the altar in St Peter’s Chapel.
Masham to stage outdoor Christmas servicesChristmas services are to be staged outdoors in Masham in response to covid restrictions.
Canon David Cleeves, who oversees the Masham group of parishes, wanted his parishioners to experience the “light and hope” of Christmas.
But with singing banned in churches, except for socially-distanced choirs, it would have been impossible for worshippers to perform traditional carols.
So Canon Cleeves asked Masham Parish Council for permission to stage two services outdoors, and his request was granted this week.
The Market Place will host a carol service at 4pm on December 20 as well as a short service aimed at children and families at 4pm on Christmas Eve.
Market Square in Masham
Outdoor services are also planned in North Stainley, West Tanfield and Healey.
Advent services, which are some of the busiest of the year, have been affected by covid restrictions.
Canon Cleeves said rural communities had a strong community feel. He added:
“I knew people would miss the church services and carol singing so the solution was to organise an outdoor event.
“It has been a very difficult and sad year and I hope this offers people a chance to celebrate Christmas.”
During the pandemic the group of churches offered services via zoom and telephone conferencing. It has also been ringing some of its isolated members for a chat.
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Similar outdoor services were held on Remembrance Sunday. Masham Parish Council praised the church for its organisation and was quick to approve its petition for Christmas services.
Parish councillor Ian Johnson, said:
“It was a resounding yes. It’ll be nice to have something to look forward to. They had a well thought-out risk assessment and after how well the services went for Remembrance Day it was an instant yes.”
To find the dates and times of the services, click here.