Cathedral dedicates new doors which give open view of church

Under the project, ancient wooden doors at Ripon Cathedral have been restored and glass doors installed inside, opening up the ancient building in a way which has not been seen for centuries.

The doors have been donated by prominent local businessman Paul Sykes, who has been the cathedral’s main benefactor for two decades – although he admits he is not a religious man.

“Ripon Cathedral is the vital beating heart of Ripon, attracting hundreds of thousands to our community each year and bringing much needed trade
to local businesses and
support for our shops,” he said yesterday.

“It is Ripon’s greatest asset. But for me it will always be the one special place where I frequently go to feel peace and solace.”

Since their installation in time for Easter 2012, more than 100,000 visitors have been welcomed to the cathedral.

The completion of the doors, which feature Sally Scott’s modern glass engraving depicting founding Saint Wilfrid’s missionary journeys, brings
to an end a major phase
of development at the cathedral.

New lighting has been placed inside and outside the cathedral and the project has seen new chairs put in place and the renewal of cathedral music including a planned rebuild of the organ next year.

The Dean of Ripon said: “The doors make the church open in a way that has not been offered for centuries.”