The Druid’s Temple in Ripon is not actually a temple, but rather a nineteenth-century folly. William Danby (owner of Swinton Estate and nearby Swinton Park at the time) built it to alleviate local unemployment, paying workers a shilling a day for their labour. Despite its origin being common knowledge, myths and rumours of mystic practices have sprung up over its lifetime. For most now though, the site is a tranquil spot to enjoy a gentle stroll or have a quiet picnic.
To visit, park in the on-site car park (54°12’13.0″N 1°43’48.4″W) and take either of the paths to the temple.
Yes, the historic narrative says mostly the same thing regarding William Danby and his father Sir Abstrupus Danby before him, in 1695 I think, as either building or rebuilding the park and the lakes. It seems as if all we know about them is related to this site.
In the USA we have similar narratives concerning every grand structure in every state. Lavish palace-like buildings erected before any infrastructure was in place, before any quarries, and at a time of reported hardship and war. We call them state capitol buildings, city halls, armories and the like. Those awake and motivated have puzzled out who actually build them. We are on to the lies. The structures you speak of here are most likely the victims of a similarly fabricated historical narrative….