A MEDIEVAL mystery has finally been partially solved – thanks to the efforts of two experts in an ancient form of warfare.

For years archaeologists and historians have been puzzled by the actual purpose of the cross-shaped arrow slits high on the battlements of Ripon Cathedral.

Possible explanations varied from defence against rampaging Scots through to them being purely decorative features or even deliberate shams to create the illusion of greater strength.

To try and solve the riddle cathedral archaeologist Liz Humble approached two of the foremost experts in the world of archery.

Guy Wilson was formerly Master of the Armouries at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds and Chairman of the International Committee of Museums and Collections of Arms and Military History from 2002 until 2010.

His former colleague, John Waller, is a world authority on historic combat and a noted fight director for films and stage and opera productions as well as advising at archaeological sites, notably the Mary Rose and the Towton battlefield.

At Ms Humble's request, both volunteered to take a longbow and a crossbow to the battlements to put the slits to a practical test.

“It has long been thought that the arrow slits had been placed into the battlements in the early fourteenth century to defend what was then Ripon Minster against a series of attacks by the Scots army of Robert the Bruce,” said Ms Humble.

“They besieged Ripon in 1318 when the Minster held out for three days before a ransom was paid after threats to burn the whole town,” she added.

However Mr Wilson and Mr Waller were able to conclusively prove the arrow slits could not have been used to defend the cathedral.

They showed the pitch of the medieval roof and its closeness to the slits meant archers could not have stood far enough away at the correct angle to draw a longbow or use a crossbow.

However solving one mystery has left historians with another: just why were the slits elaborately chamfered on the inside - normally done to enable an increased field of view for archers?

“In this case it appears to be unnecessary and expensive,” said Ms Humble.

“Was it because the masons wanted to show off their expertise, had the masonry been reused from another building, or was it perhaps done to the greater glory of God? We shall probably never know.”