With a population of less than 20,000 people, when did Ripon become a city? Traditionally an English town becomes a city once the monarch grants it a bishop and diocesan status. In 1836 Ripon’s minster became a cathedral and the diocese of Ripon was formed.
It was the first new diocese since the English Reformation in the 16th century, and the town began to refer to itself as a city. However, formal city status was not confirmed until an Act of Parliament in 1865. So now you know!
