The cathedral has a fine organ by Harrison and Harrison, which is a rebuild of the original Lewis instrument dating from 1878. The organ is on the screen and has casework by Gilbert Scott. It was rebuilt between 1912 and 1926, by Harrison & Harrison of Durham. Since then, various additions and modifications have been made: in 1963, 1972, 1988, 1996, 2000 and most recently, 2013.. PLAN
42. CRUCIFIX AND MADONNA
Behind the nave altar stands a large red, black and gold cross bearing the figure of Jesus. Along the South aisle is this unusual but attractive bronze figure of ‘Mother and Child’ by Yorkshire artist Harold Gosney. Gosney recently celebrated his 80th birthday (2017).
43. CROSSING MONUMENTS
These memorials are placed on either side of the crossing. It is unclear why they have been given such prominent place in the Cathedral. In particular, Hugh Ripley was a worthy citizen of Ripon who died in 1637, and John Frederick Rouse lived to the great age of 101 before dying in 1847.
44. TO THE NORTH TRANSEPT, KNEELERS
We make our way to the East end of the North nave, preparing to walk to the North transept. On the way we particularly notice the kneelers along the low side bench of the nave. The two pictured here are numbered #28 and #29 and show the reopening of the Ripon Canal, and the 2000 creation of the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds.
45. NORTHWEST CROSSING, PIETÀ
Before entering the North transept we stop to look at the Pietà by the Northwest crossing pillar. This is another sculpture by Yorkshire artist Harold Gosney. The word ‘pietà’ means ‘pity’, and the sculpture is based on Michelangelo's Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.
46. NORTH TRANSEPT
The North transept is simple in structure. There are in fact four lower stained glass windows, including a West window at left. Various monuments line the walls below. At right are two chapels which we shall shortly explore. Above is a fine ceiling, and the floor contains many engraved burial slabs The grey screens probably shield more Cathedral chairs!
47. NORTH TRANSEPT CORNER
Here we see the previously hidden West window. This is a memorial window containing rescued glass, and remembering Samson Staveley who died in 1664 & T K Staveley who died in 1815. The text proclaims that God’s providence is our inheritance.
48. NORTH TRANSEPT WINDOWS
The three windows in the North wall are each made up of a pair of lancets. The left window depicts the birth of Benjamin (‘Benoni’) and the death of Rachel. The second shows the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and the resurrection. The subject of the third window is unclear.
49. GARGOYLE, EFFIGY
Against the North wall of this transept stands the weathered remains of a gargoyle removed from the Northeast corner of the Cathedral during the stonework repairs of 2015. It most likely dates from 1286–1350. Next to the gargoyle against the North wall is the effigy of Sir Thomas Markenfield who died in 1497. He is lying above a beautifully carved chest with shields round the base.
50. NORTH TRANSEPT SIDE CHAPELS
On the East side of the North transept are two adjoining chapels – the Mothers’ Union Chapel, and St Wilfrid’s Chapel. They are separated by a tomb chest with effigy.
51. SIDE CHAPELS WINDOWS
There are three windows in the side chapels. The two at left show scenes from the life of Jesus – the second depicting the raising of the son of the widow of Nain. The window at right commemorates St Wilfrid.
52. MOTHERS’ UNION CHAPEL
We now look at the chapels separately. The Northern chapel is the Mothers’ Union Chapel. There are two banners – one for the Mothers’ Union, and the other particularly for the Ripon Cathedral branch. There is a small altar with candles and a display of small child-like figures.
54. SEPARATING TOMB AND EFFIGY
Between the two chapels is another Markenfield tomb and effigy. This one is even earlier than the previous one: another Sir Thomas Markenfield, better preserved and in a suit of armour. He died in 1398.
55. CROSSING CEILING, FLOOR PLAQUE
We leave the North transept chapels and make our way across the Cathedral towards the South transept. The ceiling of the crossing is attractive with a Lamb and Banner image in the central square panel. A floor plaque celebrates the Ripon Cathedral Choir School 1960 – 2012. The establishment closed in 2012.
56. CROSSING GARDEN
In the crossing square stands an Easter Garden – an attractive reconstruction of the Garden Tomb along with the three Crosses. Many churches and cathedrals have an Easter Garden to teach children about the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.
57. SOUTH TRANSEPT, CEILING
The transepts are quite shallow. We notice the continuing brown and gold square panels of the ceiling, and the three double lancet stained glass windows in the South wall with monuments below. An impressive sweeping wooden staircase rises up along the East wall of the transept.
58. SOUTH TRANSEPT WINDOWS
There are actually four windows in this transept, with a fourth window on the West wall. From left: • Nativity / Crucifixion / Garden of Eden / Abraham and Isaac; • Prepare ye the way of the Lord (John the Baptist) / Little children love one another (St John); • Risen Christ / Ascension / Parting of Red Sea / Elijah taken up to Heaven; • Jesus stilling the storm / the Good Samaritan.
59. SOUTH TRANSEPT WEST WALL
On the wall opposite the staircase is the Royal Coat of Arms of King James I. The text ‘Beati Pacifici’ translates to ‘Blessed are the Peacemakers’.
60. STAIRS UP TO LIBRARY
These steps lead up to the treasury in the library above the chapter house. The door at left leads through to the South Quire Ambulatory.