Richmond Castle

By /
Richmond Castle in North Yorkshire

Richmond Castle

Where is it – England, Yorkshire and the Humber

Who looks after it –  English Heritage 

What is it –  Castle or Fort 

When is it from – Norman

Richmond Castle has a commanding and dramatic position on a rocky promontory high over the River Swale. Its entrance, though, is in the bustling town centre. The castle was built by Alan the Red in 1070 and the keep was added about a century later. There are stunning views over the town and countryside from the top of the keep, which is remarkably intact. Though largely ruined, much has survived almost a thousand years – Richmond is said to be the most complete surviving 11th century castle in England. It is fascinating to walk through and continued in use until relatively recently. Although more or less derelict by the 16th century, it became the headquarters of the North Yorks Militia in 1854 and, during WW1, sixteen ‘conscientious objectors’ were imprisoned there for refusing to fight and were subsequently sentenced to death – though the sentences were not carried out. There’s an interesting little garden too, ‘the Cockpit Garden’.

 


Address
Tower Street, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4QW 

More detail from ABAB
Useful website
Scroll to Top