Medieval Chapel of St Mary Magdalen

St Mary Magdalen's Hospital was founded on this site to provide a place of refuge for those suffering from Leprosy and also for the support of blind priests. Like all medieval hospitals it welcomed pilgrims and wayfarers, many of whom would be on their way to Ripon Minster, now the Cathedral, to visit the shrine of St Wilfrid.

The chapel stood at the heart of the hospital but is now the only remaining medieval building at this once busy place. For about 900 years it has adapted to serve the needs and circumstances of life in society, the Church, Ripon and beyond and is a lasting memorial to countless unknown, unremarked people who built, cared for and defended it when the need arose. It is still a working building with a 10am service every Sunday, is open daily and used for many events throughout the year. It is one of the very few intact leper hospital chapels in the country.

This year the HOD display gives an insight into the foundation of the hospital and some of the effects leprosy had within the culture of medieval life. The recently recovered medieval hospital seal will be on view.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

0930-1700

Location & directions

The Chapel of St Mary Magdalen, Magdalens Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1HU

Directions:

From the Cathedral standing on steps at the front with your back to Cathedral door, turn right into Minster Road and at the bottom of the road bear left into St Marygate follow St Marygate to the traffic lights Cross onto Magdalens Road, passing Aldi on the left with the Fire Station over the road. Carry on down Magdalens Road, pass Magdalens pub with green open space to the right. Contine on Magdalens Road until the chapel comes into view on the right, cross over to find a warm welcome. (About a 10 minute walk.)

Contact on day:

Anne Priestley

Telephone number:

+447784570946

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

No steps on entry to the Chapel. Inside there is one step at the altar The brick floor is uneven. If stepping outside through the north door be aware of low doorway and deeper drop through the door. If walking around the chapel be aware of some sloping grass surfaces.

Additional information

Max number of people:

12

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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