Tour of Thorpe Prebend House, High St Agnesgate, Ripon, HG4 1QR
Thorpe Prebend House, High St. Agnesgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1QR
The oldest part of the building is the east wing, which was built in 1517. It is likely that it was an extension to an older building, to the west, which was replaced by a new hall and west wing, in 1584. In the mid 17th century, it was largely rebuilt in brick. Originally built to house the prebend of Littlethorpe, the house is recorded as having been used for casting bells at one time before being restored to house Marmaduke Bradley, the last abbot of Fountains Abbey. It is said to have later been used to entertain both James VI and I and Charles I of England. Inside, there is exposed timber framework dating back to early C16th, seriously sloping floors, an elm staircase dating from around 1700, elegant paneled rooms and a C17th fireplace. Normally used as meeting rooms and office space for Ripon Cathedral, and occasionally fired out for private functions, this is a rare opportunity to see inside one of Ripon's most historic buildings and to look round its gardens which lead to the River Skell.
Thorpe Prebend House, High St. Agnesgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1QR
There is a lift to the first floor, but restricted access within the first floor