| Where: | Ripon, Yorkshire at the Cathedral |
| When: | Sunday near 6th December |
| Time: | 10.30 am |
St Nicholas’ Day falls on December 6th and because he is patron saint of children, it was appropriate for this to be the chosen date to elect a Boy Bishop. In the past it was a common practice in many larger churches and Cathedrals to elect a chorister to act as Bishop for a short period in advent, in a typical seasonal role-reversal custom whereby masters and servants swap places for a spell. Most of these practices ceased at the reformation but the custom takes place in recently revived form at Ripon Cathedral in a ceremony reconstructed from medieval practices. As the choir is made up of both boys and girls, it is usually entitled as the Chorister Bishop rather than Boy Bishop, to bring it up to date, and in 2021 for the first time it was a child from the parish rather than a chorister. The Bishop is bedecked in special robes and mitre, carries a small crozier, and is attended by a pair of junior Canons. Donations of gifts for those in need are collected at the service for distribution as Christmas presents, and a candle is lit on the Advent wreath.
Helpful Hints
In 2024 it should be on Sunday December 8th at morning service but a special Toy Service is still taking place this year, to which visitors are encouraged to bring gifts for children who may otherwise receive few Christmas presents.
The custom was revived very recently so be prepared for it to evolve and change slightly as it becomes established. Other similar customs exist, notably at Salisbury and Hereford (see separate articles) but as far as I’m aware this one is the furthest North in England.
Photography isn’t permitted during the ceremony but in 2019 it was easy to get some photos of the Bishop and her canons distributing cake to the parishioners near the doors just after the service.
Click here for the Cathedral website: https://www.riponcathedral.org.uk
and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cathedralripon/
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