Combined authority announces funding for Ripon hornblower statue

There’s more good news for Ripon today as the application for funding for a bronze that will take the city’s hornblower heritage and tradition to a new dimension has been confirmed by David Skaith, mayor of the combined York and North Yorkshire authority.

A total of £86,205 is being allocated from phase three of the mayor’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund for Ripon BID’s innovative Creative Streets project which, in addition to the statue, will include a heritage trail and street art celebrating the city’s heritage assets. ✨🗺️

A landmark day for Ripon 📍
BID manager Lilla Bathurst, who put forward the successful application with Antony Prince after councillors unanimously supported the idea at the city council’s full meeting in July last year, told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon blog:
“This is a landmark day for Ripon as the bronze which, subject to planning approval, will be located on Market Square, is as important to our city as the Angel of the North is to the North East.”

She pointed out:
“The hornblower tradition and setting of the watch ceremony which takes place every night of the year as the Cathedral of the Dales clock chimes nine, can trace its roots back to 886 AD and Alfred the Great – the first Anglo-Saxon King of England. 🕘👑
“The ceremony, which has taken place without fail for more than 1100 years, is unique to Ripon and provides a point of difference that underlines the historical significance of our city.
“Alongside the cathedral, whose foundation stones were laid by Wilfrid in AD 672, Ripon has many heritage jewels in its crown 💎 and a hornblower statue that can be seen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on Market Square will give us the local, regional, national and international recognition and exposure that Ripon richly deserves.” 🌍

The St Wilfrid link ✝️
On 7 July last year, Antony Prince, author of the fascinating and authoritative book Forged in War: Ripon Camp 1914–1919, addressed city councillors in the council chamber that overlooks Market Square and made a passionate plea for a life-size bronze statue designed to help tell visitors of all ages and at every time of day about the city’s hornblower tradition and associated heritage attractions.

Antony, who has lived in Ripon since childhood, is chair of the St Wilfrid’s Procession Committee and has played a pivotal role in putting the day which celebrates the life and work of Ripon’s Patron Saint back on track following the covid pandemic that put the procession and other mass participation events on hold for two years. 🎉

As a community‑minded man known for his deeds as well as his words, Anthony’s call for the council to sanction his suggestion was warmly received — and the cherry on the cake 🍒 came today with the announcement from Mayor Skaith’s office that the combined authority will provide the financial wherewithal for the wish to become reality.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:

“Our high streets are where our communities come together. That’s why I’m backing creative ideas from the people who know their area best with my High Street Fund.
“By supporting Ripon Creative Streets, we’re boosting footfall and pride with new public artworks, a new heritage trail and a unique sculpture celebrating the city’s long history as the home of the hornblower ceremony.
“This is one of 65 projects we’ve supported across York and North Yorkshire helping to transform our high streets into vibrant destinations that residents and visitors will want to return to again and again.”

 

Antony Prince (Creative lead on the project) is pictured on Market Square with Adrian (Gunner) Mardon, one of the members of the city’s four-strong team of hornblowers.