RIPON’S most influential 19th-century historian is being commemorated with a new plaque put up by Ripon Civic Society at his former home.

John Walbran was born on 24 December 1817 and aged just 19 he published the first edition of his best-known work, his ‘Guide to Ripon, Fountains Abbey, Harrogate, Bolton Abbey and Several Places of Interest in their Vicinity’.

He became the local secretary of the British (later Royal) Archaeological Society and he was also elected to Ripon City Council, serving twice as mayor.

Walbran is buried in the churchyard of Ripon’s Holy Trinity Church – just opposite his house, Fall Croft where the new plaque is located.

Historians will gather to inaugurate the plaque on Saturday joined by Justin Scully, manager at Fountains Abbey.