A damp but jolly day was had by all when the History Group and friends headed over the Pennines to Ripon on the wettest day of July.
As well as the amazing Cathedral, Ripon has a collection of museums around the theme of Justice: the police and prison museum and the Courthouse. These were our targets. We split into two groups and took it in turns to visit each museum.
At the police and prison museum we saw how rough and tough the prison system was back in the day and had a fascinating talk from one of the guides, who took us the through the history of the local and regional police force. Meanwhile, at the courthouse, the trial of the century was going on as a young scallywag was tried before a jury of their peers. Much hilarity ensued and it was well and truly demonstrated that not only groups of school kids enjoy dressing up and having fun.
In the court museum, it was ‘dress up day’ as enthusiastic actors took on their roles in the courtroom drama from the 19th century. Sue was, regrettably, found guilty and not given leave to appeal. We smuggled her out on the coach back but rumour has it that the West Yorkshire Constabulary has a warrant out if she crosses the border again!
The History Group is having a break in August but resumes again on the third Tuesday of September, when Suzanne will look at the history of public bathing. Costumes welcome too!!