Trifter

Ripley Castle and Gardens, between Harrogate and Ripon has been the home of the Ingilby Family since 1308. They still live in the castle as custodians of seven centuries of history. Their guided tours will explain to visitors how this family have survived civil and political upheaval, plague and pestilence, war and siege as well as religious persecution over seven hundred years of boom or bust.

Their story, which in turns is fascinating, humorous, entertaining and really enthralling to all ages, began when Sir Thomas Ingilby saved the life of Edward III by killing the boar that was about to slaughter the king.

David Ingilby was one of the major leaders of the Catholic inspired Rising of the North against Queen Elizabeth I and the Protestant Church in 1568. His father was the Queen’s Officer charged with putting this revolt down. David and his brother, Francis (who was described as the most dangerous Papist in the north), fled the field.

They escaped back to Ripley, where they had to stay concealed in the priest’’s hiding hole, which can still be seen. Francis Ingilby was eventually captured by the Crown and suffered the fate of a traitor, that of being hung, drawn and quartered.

James I stayed at Ripley Castle in 1603, two years before the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot. This conspiracy could have destroyed Parliament and wiped out the Royal Family. It is an interesting point that nine of the 11 main conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot had connections with the Ingilby Family.

The Castle Gatehouse, which was built in 1450, is pock-marked with musket ball holes from the English Civil War. They mark the site where a Parliamentarian Army firing squad shot a number of Royalist prisoners.

Later “Trooper Jane” Ingilby held Oliver Cromwell himself, prisoner at pistol point in the Castle Library, following overwhelming defeat of Prince Rupert and the Northern Royalist Cause in 1644. Even now the castle has some amazing pieces of Civil War armour on display.

The Ingilbys have clearly had a roller coaster for seven centuries during their time at Ripley

Castle.

A walled kitchen garden has been restored and now displays rare varieties of fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices. There are carpets of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells during the spring. The English National Hyacinth Collection comes into bloom in April and May, filling the air with a wonderful perfume.

The massive herbaceous borders present a riot of colour alongside the fountain and lawns. There is a woodland walk, which offers fine vistas over the lake and deer park.

Children will enjoy the small play area and there are plenty of benches for visitors to sit on and watch the world go by.

There is another walk around the lake and waterfalls which passes the grazing herds of fallow deer.

People can obtain a range of tempting items from the gift shop, and the castle tearooms offer a wide choice of refreshments.

Ripley Castle is open from 10:30 to 15:00 (the last tour starts at 14:45) each day from during August and Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Saturday during the other months. It is also open on Good Friday and May Bank Holiday. The castle can be opened throughout the year for pre-arranged group tours. The gardens are open from 09:00 to 17:30 (16:30 during the winter months) Only guide dogs are admitted to either the castle or the gardens.

There is a four-wheeled mobility buggy available for disabled visitors by prior arrangement. Ripley Castle has a neck loop system available for people with hearing difficulties and special arrangements can be made for people with disabilities and impairments.

Further information on Ripley Castle and its gardens can be obtained from 01423 770152.