History of Ripon: preliminary draft of the Darnbrough Manuscript; compiled possibly by Robert Waller

Comprises a history of Ripon from Saxon times, with an account of early charters, a list of mayors from the incorporation by James I, 1604, a history of the church in Ripon, life of St Wilfrid, charter of Athelstan, 'liberty' of Ripon, events up to the dissolution, damage to the church in the 17th century, brief description of the church, list of monuments and gravestones, list of deans, subdeans, and prebendaries, summary of church rents, history of the hospitals and the Free Grammar School, hamlets in the parish, and the altars and chantries. The 'History'; is written out several times, with many alterations and corrections. Folios 180-199 contain what appears to be a fair copy, but not all the material given in preceding pages is included. This volume does not contain all of the charters which are given as an appendix to MS 55. A large number of copies of letters and memoranda concerning points raised in connection with the history are inserted, the latest being dated 1778. Among these are several letters about a certain John Gray, a prisoner in York Castle, and an account of a case in the King's Bench Court about corn tolls at Ripon, 28 November, 1778. It does not contain the appendix of charters found in MS 55

Robert Waller (fl, 1777) is not otherwise known

Access is unrestricted

Formerly in the possession of Lady Cayley, daughter of the Rev. George Allanson

In English

Formerly shelved as XVIII.G.35. Discussion of the authorship of this history is available in Special Collections