Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire -

Richmond Castle in North Yorkshire stands in a prominent position above the River Swale. It was constructed from 1071 onwards as part of the Norman Conquest of Saxon England.

William the Conqueror had put down the 1069 rebellion at York and as a further punishment he divided up the lands of north Yorkshire among his most loyal followers. Alain Le Roux de Ponthievre of Brittany received the borough of Richmond built the castle to defend against further rebellions and establish a personal power base. The Dukes of Brittany became the owners of the castle though it was often confiscated for various periods by English Kings.

The original stone Norman castle lacked a keep, until Duke Conan the Little built one at the end of the 12th century, and added towers and a barbican. As a castle Richmond had fallen out of use by the end of the 14th century and did not receive major improvements after that date.

The castle became the headquarters of the North Yorkshire Militia in 1855, with a military barracks constructed in the great courtyard. The barracks were the home of Boy Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell for two years until 1910 while he commanded the Northern Territorial Army but the barracks building was eventually demolished in 1931.
The castle was used during the First World War as the base of the Non-Combatant Corps made up of conscientious objectors. It was also used to imprison some conscientious objectors who refused to accept army discipline and participate in the war in any way.

Today visitors can climb to the top of the keep for stunning views of the town of Richmond. Snacks are available and visitors are welcome to picnic in the ground.

Opening Times

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £4.60
Children: £2.80
Concessions: £4.10
EH Member: Free

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Disabled Facilities

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