Hot off the press from the Ripon Gazette: The Old Hall next to Ripon Catherdral, the periodic home of the Reverend Charles Dodgson and his family, is on the market.
Each year between 1852 and 1858, the Dodgson family would spend thirteen weeks at the Hall, with Charles Senior fulfilling his functions as residentiary canon of Ripon Cathedral, and the rest of the family enjoying their surroundings.
It was while staying at the Hall that Dodgson wrote “Ye Carpette Knyghte”, as well as “Legend of Scotland” for the Bishop of Ripon’s children. It is also believed that a carved misericord in Ripon Cathedral, which depicts a griffin chasing a rabbit down a rabbit hole, was one of the many inspirations for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. (A misericord is a small shelf-like projection beneath a folding seat, often found in medieval churches. When the seat is folded up and the occupant is standing – for example during a six-hour sermon – the misericord may provide a welcome perch for the buttocks. They are also known as “mercy seats.” Misericord is your word of the day, should you chose to accept it.)
The Old Hall is described in the estate agents particulars as “an historic Grade II listed detached townhouse dating from the 17th century, standing in delightful walled gardens in this quiet and private position within the shadows of Ripon Cathedral.” It could be yours for only £750,000 – just $1.2 million!
