Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ripon A Short History of the Church and a Description of Its Fabric — Free Audiobook | OpenFreeBooks
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ripon A Short History of the Church and a Description of Its Fabric
by Cecil Walter Charles Hallett
About this book
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ripon — A Short History of the Church and a Description of Its Fabric by Cecil Walter Charles Hallett brings the layered story of Ripon Cathedral vividly into earshot, blending architectural description with concise historical narrative. Drawing on medieval chapter acts, Saxon sources and the work of scholars such as J. T. Fowler and Sir G. Gilbert Scott, Hallett traces the cathedral's development from its Saxon origins through Norman and Gothic rebuilding to post‑Reformation changes, while illuminating the church’s constitutional life and restorative episodes. Richly observant, the book examines the fabric of the building — the Saxon crypt, medieval masonry, stained glass, monuments and later interventions — and offers 53 illustrative studies that guide listeners through visual and structural details in clear, art‑historical prose. Perfectly suited to the Art genre, Hallett’s account balances scholarly rigor with accessible narrative, making architectural terms and ecclesiastical context easy to follow. Ideal for students of church architecture, fans of English cathedral history, and anyone planning a visit to Ripon Cathedral, this audiobook is a compact, authoritative companion to one of England’s most historic churches.
