Richmond by munki-boy
Richmond
Richmond, a historic market town in North Yorkshire, is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved settlements in England. Overlooking the River Swale, it is best known for its imposing Norman castle, cobbled marketplace, and stunning surrounding countryside. Founded in 1071 by Alan Rufus, a companion of William the Conqueror, the town has a long and fascinating history, with Richmond Castle standing as one of the finest surviving Norman fortresses in the country. Its towering keep offers breathtaking views over the Swale Valley, while within the castle walls, visitors can explore the remains of medieval buildings and learn about the site’s use as a conscientious objectors’ prison during the First World War.
Beyond its military past, Richmond has long been a cultural and commercial hub. The large cobbled marketplace, still the heart of the town, is surrounded by Georgian buildings and hosts regular markets selling local produce and crafts. Independent shops, galleries, and traditional inns contribute to its character, while the Georgian Theatre Royal, the oldest working theatre in its original form in Britain, continues to stage performances and guided tours, offering a glimpse into 18th-century entertainment. The town’s museums, including the Richmondshire Museum and the Green Howards Museum, provide further insight into its social and military history.
The landscape around Richmond is among the most beautiful in Yorkshire, with the Swale meandering through wooded valleys and dramatic waterfalls such as the famous Richmond Falls. The town serves as a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, making it a popular starting point for walkers and nature lovers. Easby Abbey, the ruins of a 12th-century Premonstratensian monastery, lies just a short riverside walk away, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in history. With its blend of heritage, architecture, and natural beauty, Richmond remains one of the most captivating and historically significant towns in the north of England.
Created: 15 November 2019 Edited: 10 March 2025
Richmond
Shopping in Richmond
Local History around Richmond
There are some historic monuments around including:
Section of Scots Dyke linear boundary 150m ENE of OlliverSection of Scots Dike linear boundary north of Kirklands FarmSection of Scots Dyke linear boundary and portion of field system 100m east of Whitefields FarmSt Martin's Benedictine Priory, RichmondRichmond BridgeRavensworth motte and bailey castle, water defence features, park pale and shrunken medieval villageSection of Scots Dyke linear boundary 235m south of Stanwick Hall ReservoirRichmond Castle: eleventh to fourteenth century enclosure castleSection of Scots Dyke linear boundary 75m south west of Sandford House18th century copper mill 80m north west of Copper Mill BridgeFranciscan friarySt Giles medieval hospital, post-medieval farmstead and Iron Age occupation site immediately north of St Giles FarmSection of the Scots Dyke linear boundary 250m south east of St Martin's PrioryEasby Abbey Premonstratensian monastery: monastic precinct, cultivation terraces, water-management features and ancillary buildingsRomano-British enclosed settlement 340m north east of East Applegarth at Whitcliffe ScarThe Bargate, medieval gatewayRoman fort and prehistoric enclosed settlement 400m west of Carkin Moor FarmSection of Scots Dyke linear boundary running south from Olliver East for 550mSection of Scots Dike linear boundary south of Kirklands FarmMedieval cross base known as Plague Stone, 750m WSW of High ScalesSection of Scots Dike linear boundary north west of High MerrybentSection of the Scots Dyke linear boundary 225m south of St Martin's Priory.
