To continue the stories of my vacation!
Origins & Saxon Glory
I have often told my American friends, “You do not know what old is, unless you travel to England and Europe.”
My brother Robert Fripp and I had fun visiting our home town of Wimborne. It was founded around 705 AD when St Cuthburga established a double monastery for monks and nuns. Nestled beside the River Allen, it is a theological and cultural hub in Dorset.
This foundation would shape the town’s spiritual identity for centuries, enduring Viking raids in 1013 and evolving into a collegiate church by the Norman Conquest.
Architectural Legacy & Royal Connections
I was confirmed in the Minster church, which is still a thriving part of the community and tourism. Romanesque and Gothic in style, it dates primarily from the 12ᵗʰ century, though Victorian restorations refined its grandeur.
I never get tired of visiting the Minster’s chained library (one of only four in England), a 14ᵗʰ‑century astronomical clock, and tombs honoring King Ethelred I, brother of Alfred the Great, as well as John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset.
Transformations through Time
By the Victorian and Edwardian eras, Wimborne expanded with terraced housing around Old Station Road—a shift reflecting industrial growth.
It is exciting to realize, that past local planners preserved Wimborne’s historic core, which we enjoy as we wander around the High Street and Cornmarket, and admire the 15ᵗʰ‑17ᵗʰ century facades.
A Charming Market & Modern Evolution
My entrepreneurial father, Arthur Fripp, one of the founding members of Wimborne Rotary, would be excited to see our Friday–Sunday market continue a legacy of trade.
With its riverside setting, café culture and floral displays, Wimborne exudes “continental charm” while staying quintessentially Dorset.
A delightful surprise is that recently, Wimborne has emerged as a foodie destination, with artisan bakeries and cafes earning praise in Condé Nast Traveller.
Cultural Revival & Community Spirit
The Art Deco 1930s Tivoli Theatre, rescued by volunteers in the 1990s, now thrives with music, drama, and comedy. When we were 4 and 5, Mother took us to see our first movie here, Bambi.
In September 2023, Robert and Toyah’s Rock Party began their tour at the Tivoli. Naturally, I flew in to handle the merch table. As with merching for King Crimson, I added an extra 30% to the earnings—a fair amount I contributed to myself. My sister-in-law Toyah Willcox is back in March 2026; perhaps I will need a bonus trip next year?
Since 1979, the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival has drawn up to 70,000 folk lovers each June, filling the Square with dancers, music workshops, and Morris teams. This year, I was here to enjoy it. What incredible energy and passion on every street. The rain came, and everyone kept marching, dancing, and watching.
The Must-See Model Town
Brother and I walked around one of my favorite spots. Our 1950s 1:10 scale attraction, rebuilt and maintained by volunteers, has railways and a children’s play area. We love the Model Town because this is the town where we grew up. The stores have the names of Dad’s friends in the Wimborne Rotary.
Reflections of a Local Girl Made Good
When I grew up in Wimborne, nobody expected much of girls. Although I did not realize it when I left for America at age 20, I needed to move 6,000 miles away to live up to my potential.
Perhaps you now understand why a yearly pilgrimage to Wimborne is essential to me. It is exciting to see the combination of our heritage with modern vibrancy. The Ancient Saxon roots and majestic Minster anchor our town as part of the Fripp kids’ history. Now, as a visitor, I appreciate its countryside charm, heritage, community living, and the friends I went to school with and went on the number 24 bus to work with.
As a speaker and presentation consultant, I add that Wimborne presents well. Like an excellent presentation, it mirrors the town’s balance and historic structure, with supporting lively content.
If you are ever in the UK, visit Wimborne and see how 1,300 years of story create today’s charm. Feel free to mention my name!
