Richmond is a very picturesque little town, described by the British Council as "typically English". The historic focal point of the old town is the Norman castle, whose spectacular ruins perch on a rock, dominating the banks of the River Swale. Richmond is surrounded by the Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales and is an excellent base for nature-lovers and walkers who wish to explore the great open spaces in the vicinity.
The name of the town comes from the castle ("Riche Mont") built about 1070 by Alan the Red, first Earl of Richmond. His extensive possessions, which he held in fee from William the Conqueror, included no fewer than 164 manors and became known as Richmondshire. Henry VII, who inherited the title of Earl of Richmond, gave the name to his new palace in Surrey (now Greater London), previously known as Sheen.
The Georgian Theatre Royal was built in 1788 and has seen many famous actors perform here. The history of the museum is explained in the theatre's museum.
An attractive path along the River Swale leads to the extensive and picturesque ruins of Easby Abbey (1mi/2km from Richmond), a Premonstratensian abbey founded in 1155. Visitors can see what is left of the refectory, nave and transepts, as well as the east part of the choir. The nearby parish church, St Agatha's, has a copy of the Easby Cross (Anglo-Saxon, about 800; original in the British Museum in London), some fine wall-paintings dating from the middle of the 13th C and a Norman-Romanesque font.
Hours:
April 1 to September 30: 10am-6pm
October 1 to October 31: 10am-5pm
November 1 to March 31: 10am-4pm
Always closed on: Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Northwest of the Richmondshire Museum, near Queen's Road, is the Greyfriars Tower (built about 1360-70), which is the last remaining fragment of the former monastery of the Gray Friars order, whose members lived here from the 12th to the 16th century.
Leyburn is located at the junction of several roads on the north bank of the Ure. The surrounding scenery and other small villages make Leyburn an ideal base for exploring.
Constable Burton Hall Gardens features a romantic terrace garden surrounded by 18th century parkland. Enjoy woodland walks, the garden trails and extensive borders all beautifully set in Wensleydale.
Address: Constable Burton Hall Gardens, Leyburn DL8 5LJ, England
Hours:
March 15 to September 28: 9am-6pm
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
A short way to the north of Richmond's castle, in the large cobbled market place, is the little church of Holy Trinity, surrounded by pretty old houses and small shops.
The castle in Richmond, dating from the 11th C, was impregnable on three sides, thanks to its situation; the fourth side was protected by a massive keep. The best view of Richmond, which was formerly defended by walls and three gates, is to be had from the top of this 115ft/35m high keep, which was built between 1150 and 1180.
Address: Richmond Castle, Tower Street, Richmond DL10 4QW, England
Hours:
March 21 to September 30: 10am-6pm
October 1 to March 31: 10am-4pm; Closed: Tue, Wed
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Tips: Accessible by public transit.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
In Ryder's Wynd - the tiny streets in Richmond have the name "wynds" - can be found the Richmondshire Museum, which has exhibits connected with local history from 1071 to the present day (including Anglo-Saxon excavation finds, historic costumes, displays of crafts and industry, children's toys).
Address: Richmondshire Museum, Ryders Wynd, Richmond DL10 4JA, England
Going eastwards from the Richmondshire Museum along Station Road, the parish church of St Mary's is reached almost immediately. It contains elaborately carved 16th century choir stalls, which were originally in Easby Abbey.
Excursions can be made from Richmond into Swaledale and Wensleydale, two scenically beautiful valleys which lie on the northern edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
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Leyburn, England
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