Funding has been approved to provide a life size bronze statue to mark the tradition and heritage of the Ripon Hornblower.
A total of £86,205 is being allocated from phase three of the region’s 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 assets.
BID manager Lilla Bathurst, who put forward the successful application with Antony Prince, after councillors unanimously supported the idea 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 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 recognition and exposure that Ripon richly deserves.”
On 7 July last year, Antony Prince, author of the fascinating and authoritative book Forged in War: Ripon Camp 1914–1919, addressed city councillors 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.
Antony, who has lived in Ripon since childhood, is chair of the St Wilfrid’s Procession Committee. 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 David Skaith’s office that the combined authority will provide the financial wherewithal for the wish to become reality.
