Ripon History
Bedern Bank
On the left as one travels down Bedern Bank one will find the current Deanery. This was originally built in brick with stone insert in the 18th century and is known as Minster House. The first view however, is of the gatehouse behind the entrance gates. Behind this area lies the Old Hall facing towards High St. Agnesgate. It is an early Georgian house built in brick. It is noted for its staircase, its panelling and plaster, and blue slate roof. Though not on Bedern Bank, Thorpe Prebend House lies to the left. Originally the home of one of the seven Minster canons, his income was derived from an estate at Littlethorpe near Ripon. The estate was known as a "prebend", hence the name of the house. The original house is all but gone, and the current structure was erected in 1609 as a town house for George Dawson of York. Dawson is known to have housed King James I here in April 1617. The house was once again altered in 1913 when it's former use as cottages was returned to a single building to house the Ripon museum. It was neglected following World War II and is currently being restored by the Ripon Improvement Trust.
Also in this area one will find St. Anne's Hospital. Now a ruin, this was one of three alms houses which served Ripon for over 500 years. It is known to have been in use in the 15th century when it provided for eight of the parish poor. The chancel of the chapel still survived when the Victorian almshouses were built in 1869.