Ripon, North Yorkshire

As pub stops going, last night's was a good one. Margery was parked in an excellent spot with views across open countryside. In the adjacent field sad looking sheep stood staring.

We wondered what they were thinking some with crows perched on their backs. Probably, how can we escape. Today we had a full day planned. First stop Ripon. The cathedral dominated the city and we were keen to see inside. And we weren't disappointed. Entry was free. We were welcomed by a very nice lady who told us lots of interesting facts before we were left to roam around this amazing building dating back to the 7th century. 

The intricate wooden carvings on some of the bench stalls are said to have inspired Lewis Carroll, who originated from Ripon, when writing Alice in Wonderland.

We enjoyed our time in the tiny city of Ripon, and stayed longer than planned. So it was mid afternoon before we arrived at our next stop, Fountains Abbey, the largest and best presented Cistercian monastery in England. The price to enter the Abbey and grounds was an eye watering £23.00. The abbey is a National Trust property, so after some thought we decided to join knowing we'd probably visit more National Trust properties whilst in Yorkshire, and definitely in Scotland next year.

As with the cathedral, we also very much enjoyed our time at the abbey. Today has flown by, and we've not visited everywhere on our list. It has become apparent that we need to rethink our itinerary. Tonight's stop in the parking area next to Ripon cathedral finds Margery settled between a local Yorkshire man and a couple from the north east. We'll be up early in the morning as we once again have many places to visit. Who knew Yorkshire had so much to see?

Late in the evening we walked up to Ripon town square to see the Wakeman setting the watch at 9pm by standing at each of the four corners of the obelisk and blowing his horn. Once finished he gathered us up, and explained about the ceremony, which he told us was started by Alfred the Great, and continued from that date without a break, though now involving WhatsApp, and during the Covid epidemic broadcasting live over Facebook.