The village of "Riptune" was in existence at the time of the Domesday Survey of 1086.The word "Riptune" is derived from early Saxon meaning "wood", "woodland" or "adjacent to woodland".It came within the ownership of Ramsey Abbey which was founded in 969 A.D.and at the time of the Domesday held nearly three quarters of the land in Huntingdonshire.Ripton and Wennington (or Winnington as it was then known),were originally granted tothe monastery by Earl Alfwold,brother of Aylwin,the founder of Ramsey Abbey,and they were confirmed in the possessions of the Abbey in King Edgar's Charter of 974 A.D.In the 12th and 13th centuries, Abbots Ripton became known as Magna Ripton and Riptona Abbatis. Whilst following the dissolution of the monasteries it was known as StJohn's Ripton after the family who became Lords of the Manor.Abbots Ripton was held by the Abbot of Ramesbury at Domesday and on the site of the building now known as Abbots Ripton Hall was a monastery where monks established substantial arable and stock farms and fisheries. Many of the original fields are still farmed today by The Abbots Ripton Estate.The Parish is well served by public footpaths and bridleways most of which cross Estate land, but no specifically designated cycle ways.As the area is a designated conservation area, there are many opportunities to see conserving in action, from the flocks of geese which populate the small reservoir owned by the Estate, to the roe deer, muntjac, kites, pheasants, partridges, swans and owls which are to be found in the extensive woodlands, e.g. Monks Wood Wennington Wood.The village green in Abbots Ripton is a large open space which is presently accessible to all parishioners as are the grounds in which the village hall stands.There is a cricketsquare which is used by members of the village team.
Hotel Rating: AA 4 Stars