Richmond Castle [16]

Image: © Michael Dibb Taken: 21 Jun 2022

The view from the top of the Great Tower, looking north. On a commanding site above the River Swale, the building of Richmond Castle commenced in 1071, was completed by 1086 and then was expanded in the 12th century. Built of sandstone, the castle was derelict by 1540. It was restored in the early 19th century and, in 1855, became the headquarters of the North Yorkshire Militia. The castle was used during the First World War as the base of the Non-Combatant Corps of conscientious objectors – conscripts who refused to fight. It was also used to imprison some conscientious objectors, including the "Richmond Sixteen". Listed, grade I, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1318398 A Scheduled Ancient Monument with much history and detail at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1010627 Richmond is a picturesque market town in North Yorkshire, some 13 miles northwest of Northallerton and about 11½ miles southwest of Darlington. Set on the north bank of the River Swale, the town is on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and is marketed as the Gateway to the Dales. Richmond was founded in 1071 and the castle was completed in 1086. Tourism is important to the local economy, as is the influence of the nearby Catterick Garrison army base. A traditional market operates every Saturday in the large cobbled marketplace.

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