Ripon in historic gazetteers

Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew

Ripon, city, mun. bor., par., and township, West-Riding Yorkshire, on river Ure, 29½ miles N. of Leeds by rail - par. (extending into the North-Riding), 58,235 ac., pop. 16,653; township, 1561 ac., pop. 6641; bor., 1580 ac., pop. 7390; P.O., T.O., 4 Banks, 2 newspapers. Market-day, Thursday. Ripon is supposed to be of British or Roman origin. In 678 its monastery (built 661) became the seat of a bishopric, subsequently united with York. The new diocese of Ripon, created in 1836, comprises most of the West-Riding and part of the North-Riding. The cathedral, a remarkably fine edifice, was originally the church of the monastery. There is a handsome bridge over the Ure, which is here navigable. The spacious market-place is ornamented by an obelisk 90 feet high. Ripon was formerly celebrated for its spurs, but its principal manufactures now are saddle-trees, iron, machinery, leather, and varnish. It gives the title of marquis to the family of Robinson. It returned 2 members to Parliament from the time of Edward VI. until 1867, and 1 member from 1867 until 1885.