A boating accident on the River Ouse resulted in the drowning of four sons and two daughters of John and Ann Rigg, aged from 6 to 19. The family tragedy became a national tragedy and a monument to the six was built in the graveyard of St Lawrence’s Church, the cost being raised totally by public subscription. Over the next decades the monument became well known and was seen as a visitor attraction on a par with York Minster. The monument has a fine stone base and surround, brick back, and railings, with an ornate and sentimental inscription, including a poem in a Romantic style evoking the shock felt at the accident. Over the decades it has become overgrown and dilapidated, and much of the inscription is no longer legible. The original cost was raised by public subscription in York and nationally, and local craftspeople (masons, stonecarvers, bricklayers, and iron workers) were employed to build the monument. We want to repeat that process 185 years on.
What we'll deliver:
- refurbish the railings
- repair or replace the brick-work
- repair the stone-work
- recreate the inscription and the Romantic sentimental poem
Why it's a great idea:
The Rigg Monument was for decades a tourist attraction on a par with York Minster. It was completely unrecognisable before we removed the vegetation, and is obviously in need of repair. The graveyard and surrounding area are in poor condition, but the locality is surrounded by student housing and in great need of safe peaceful green space. The Rigg monument will provide a focus for that space and an ever-present reminder of the dangers of the river and of the transitory nature of human life.
Steps to get it done:
- Local craftsmen mason/stone carver; brick layer; and iron specialist already part of project team
- Overseen by York Civic Trust and Sir Ron Cooke
- Designed and managed by volunteer team of experienced professionals
- Detailed specification prepared
- Part of York City Enhancement Programme
- Permission (faculty) from Church of England received
