It was announced that a Diocese of Ripon was to be created, dividing the then Diocese of York.
The first Bishop of Ripon is consecrated, Bishop Longley. His initial residence was at Bishopton Grove
The site of an existing farm, Bramley Grange, on church land belonging to the Diocese of York, was identified as ideal for the new residence for the Bishop of Ripon. The area of 109 acres was transferred to the Diocese of Ripon and the existing tenant of the farm compensated. Ripon Walled Garden is on this land today.
The plans for a substantial residence for the Bishop at Bramley Grange were unveiled: offices, a brewhouse, stables, coach house and kitchen garden. Existing farm buildings were to be moved to the other side of where the garden was to be sited. In a civic ceremony the first stone of the Palace was laid. The Walled Garden was built as a traditional Victorian kitchen garden providing fruit, vegetables and cut flowers for the Bishop’s household.
A devastating hurricane in the Ripon area was reported to have completely blown down the east side of the garden wall. It is not clear if this relates to an existing garden or the new one that had already been built.
Requests for further funding were submitted for the forming of kitchen gardens and grounds, to include flower gardens, shrubberies and hot houses.
Bishop Longley and his family moved into the new Palace. It is presumed that the kitchen garden had been completed and was being utilised by this time.
The estate became part of Dr Barnardo’s: First as a war evacuation centre, then as a school for girls.
Spring Hill School opened on the old Palace grounds. The gardens were used for educational and vocational development alongside providing food for the school kitchens.
In the mid 1980’s Mr Morrison, the gardener, retired and was not replaced. In spite of efforts from some of the school staff it was not possible to maintain a productive garden.
Government policy: ‘Care in the Community’ promoted day care for people with disabilities.
Barnardo’s and Ripon Community Link jointly established ‘Ripon Walled Garden Scheme, working with adults with disabilities and some students from Spring Hill school.
Ripon Walled Garden became fully integrated within Ripon Community Link.
Ripon Community Link Purchased the Walled Garden site providing security to their services
Installation of a Bore Hole- dedicated water supply enabling site development
Covid Pandemic – UK lockdown- the Charity was agile and quickly responded bring forward a planned build programme so that they could re-open quickly and accommodate Members Safely.
Opening of dedicated Toilet Block and Installation of the Garden Room.
Opening of Woodland Lodge, centralisation of all Ripon Community Link services at the Walled Garden.
Opening of Shop and Café at the Walled Garden.
