Rejoicing in Ripon: EXCLUSIVE: New light fantastic is shone on Ripon’s most talked‑about medieval well
✨💡 The 42‑foot deep and four‑foot wide medieval well discovered during the £400,000 revamp of HALLS of Ripon department store carried out by Sterne Properties Limited, is set to attract more visitors to the city centre 🏙️.
Director Robert Sterne told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog:
“When the well was unearthed during groundworks for the new terrace at the rear of HALLS of Ripon, we decided to preserve this fascinating historical find, as we thought that it would make an interesting, thought‑provoking and attention‑grabbing feature, so long as we were able to make it safe.” 🕳️🔍
A subsequent safety inspection carried out by builder Paul Fountain on Good Friday found that it is in excellent condition, while archaeologists confirmed that the structure is of medieval vintage 🛠️📜.
Robert added:
“It now has a custom‑made reinforced glass cover and lighting engineer Mark Birch has installed lighting that shines down it, which can be programmed to provide spectacular effects created from an almost limitless palette of colour combinations.” 🌈✨
“We hope that this newly discovered heritage feature will intrigue people and attract them to visit Sustain, which was opened last month by Charlotte Baldwin, and also be of benefit as a footfall driver for the other independent businesses in HALLS of Ripon.” 🛍️🤝
In addition to the well feature, the stylish terrace at the Marshall Way entrance has been given a continental feel with the planting of trees and shrubs 🌿🌳.
Promoting wellness 🌱
Charlotte Baldwin, owner of the Sustain health food, wine and coffee shop, said:
“Our aim is help people to eat well, drink well and feel well, and having this structure adding value to the relaxing customer experience could not be more appropriate.” ☕🍇
Satisfied customers 😊
This afternoon (Thursday May 28) the first customers to enjoy their table for two on the sun‑drenched terrace were Paul and Carole Murrell, on a day trip from County Durham ☀️🧡.
Carole said: “I’ve just had a delicious home‑made snack, which was perfect for me because it was gluten‑free.” 🥗
Dave added: “We didn’t know about the well until today and it came as a delightful surprise. We will be telling all of our friends about it.” 💬✨
A special place to visit ⭐
HALLS of Ripon director Barry Cooper added:
“All businesses are looking to have a point of difference which makes them the go‑to place for customers to buy, relax and enjoy themselves.
“The well adds a wow factor which comes as a bonus for all of the independent businesses that make HALLS OF Ripon so special.” 🌟🏬
Ripon in the national spotlight 📺🇬🇧
Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst pointed out:
“News about the well’s discovery generated further positive national, regional and local broadcast, print and online coverage for our fabulous city over the crucial Easter trading period.
“At the same time the gem that is Ripon Cathedral was seen in all its glory on BBC One, when hundreds of thousands across the UK watched the Easter morning service broadcast live.” ⛪✨
“Now with the illuminated well, we have another shining example of how history and heritage can be seen and enjoyed throughout our ancient city.” 🌟🏰
The well’s timely discovery means that it will be included among Ripon’s numerous historic attractions as part of the programme of Heritage Open Days being organised in September by the BID in partnership with Ripon Civic Society 📅🤝.
- Robert Sterne (right) with Charlotte Baldwin, Barry Cooper and customers Dave and Carole Murrell at this afternoon’s unveiling of the illuminated well.
- The medieval structure at the Marshall Way entrance to HALLS of Ripon and Sustain, has a reinforced glass cover and will provide spectacular light shows.
Photos Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog for Ripon BID
