From Anglo-Saxon times to 1888 Ripon had its own
independent system for maintaining law and order,
the Ripon Liberty. Its courthouse stood on this site,
within the Archbishop of York's summer palace.
This was replaced in 1830 by the present building
which housed the Quarter and Petty Sessions
and later the Magistrates Court. After this
closed in 1998 the original building
became a museum.
SE3171 : Ripon Minster The west front is attributed to Archbishop Walter de Grey (late C12), who had the twin towers topped-out with lead-sheathed wooden spires. These latter were removed in 1664AD for fear the weight might bring the towers down. The result is a rather squat appearance for the Minster today.