Though there was undoubtedly a settlement of some sort in the area previously, Richmond is essentially a Norman town. A Bronze Age sword, iron age earthworks, Roman coins – Catterick nearby was an important roman fort – and plenty of Viking place-names locally all bear witness to earlier habitation, but it was one of William the Conqueror’s trusted lords, the Breton Alan Rufus, who founded Richmond, or Riche Mont. Rufus was given the land by the new king in 1066 for his loyal service, and to hold it for the Norman kingdom. This he achieved by having a castle built to command the area, starting just five years after the Conquest. This castle was of strategic importance, within striking distance of the Great North Road, and also on the route west to Lancaster. Richmond became an important market town, granted a charter to hold Saturday markets in 1441. Richmond’s cobbled market place is extensive, and one of the sights tourists will undoubtedly wish to see when visiting. The area was rich sheep raising country, and Richmond benefited from this trade from medieval times onwards. The strategic importance of the town was to its detriment during the Civil War, the Scottish army for a time having a headquarters and garrison there, their brutal and rapacious behaviour leaving bitter memories long after the event. Wool, and the knitting of that wool, continued to be important into the Georgian era, and at that time lead mining grew in significance in the surrounding country. There are many elegant Georgian houses still to be seen in the town from this prosperous period, as well as some far more ancient buildings, including of course the castle. The Frenchgate area is particularly rich in architectural terms. The River Swale which runs through the town links the urban to the rural, Swaledale running west into the Yorkshire Dales National Park which begins only a mile or so west of the town, offering some magnificent countryside and equally wonderful walking. For those who prefer history to geography the area around Richmond is richly served as regards historic buildings, with Easby Abbey the nearest of several ruined religious houses, but Richmond has the Green Bridge and Holy Trinity Church as well as the impressive castle to offer within its own boundaries. Richmond has good shopping and hospitality facilities, including old inns and Georgian hotels, as would be expected of a town with a population of almost 9,000 that also welcomes many tourists all year round, and is surely worth a stay on its own merits, but it also makes a good staging post for those venturing further north or south, situated as it is just four miles from Scotch Corner on the A1.
Attraction
Aske Hall
Easby Abbey
Green Howards Museum
Hazel Smith Gallery
Kiplin Hall
Richmond Castle (EH)
Richmondshire Museum
Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications (EH)
Swaledale Folk Museum
Swaledale Woollens
The Dovecote
Budget
Scotch Corner Hotel *book online*
Travelodge Scotch Corner Skeeby *book online*
Camping
Brompton-on-Swale Caravan & Camping Park
Swaleview Caravan Park
Classes
Dance - Richmond Dance Centre Ltd
Yoga & Spice
Yoga - Kim Kinsella
Yoga and Spice
Cottage
West CottageCouncil
Richmondshire District Council
Dentist
Dental Surgery
Lion House Dental Practice
Estate Agent
Charlton’s Estate Agents
GSC Chartered Surveyors
Norman F Brown
Purple Leaf
Whitegates
Farmers Market
Golf Club
Holiday Park
Inn
Kings Head Hotel
Shoulder of Mutton Inn
Market
Richmond Farmers Market
Richmond Market
Pub and Bar
Charles Bathurst Inn
Holly Hill Inn
Kings Head
Kings Head Hotel
Punch Bowl Inn
Shoulder of Mutton Inn
Travellers Rest
Unicorn Inn
Racecourse
Restaurant
Amontola Tandoori
Black Bull Inn
Charles Bathurst Inn
Courtyard Bistro
Harveys
Holly Hill Inn
Kings Head Hotel
New Treasure Garden
Oak Tree
Punch Bowl Inn
Shoulder of Mutton Inn
Solicitor
Taxi
Amalgamated Taxis
Posh Cars Richmond
Richmond Executive Cars
The Richmond Partnership
Top Taxis
Vet
Sports Clubs
Richmond CC (Cycling)
Shops
Swaledale Woollens
Castle Hill Book Shop
Vokes Books Ltd
Roots & Shoots
Boots
Everards
Ravensworth Nurseries
Farmaroundnorth
Dorothy Perkins
Richmond Pharmacy
Cooper & Leatherbarrow
Richmond
Mackenzie Thorpe Arthaus
Phoenix Fine Arts
Hazelbrow Visitor Centre
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Specsavers
CinnaMoon
Nu Yu Beauty Salon
The Bed Shop
Bijou
Gilpin Smart Arts
Antiques
Activities
Scorton Archers(Archery)
Broken Brea Fishery(Fishing)
Places to Stay near Richmond
Kings Head Hotel (0.11 miles)
Overlooking Richmond's cobbled market square, and the Norman castle, this charming Georgian hotel full of character and warmth is only 4 miles from the A1. Offering an excellent and newly-furnished restaurant, an exciting new menu and ... More | visit website
Castle Tavern (0.12 miles)
The Castle House (0.23 miles)
Buck Hotel Guest House (0.23 miles)
Located in the heart of Richmond, this small hotel is well-situated for exploring the beautiful scenery and features of the town. The Buck Hotel Guest House was built in 1800, and for ... More
River View B&B (0.24 miles)
River View ... More | visit website
Bridgedown House Bed and Breakfast (0.31 miles)
Welcome to our Lovely home The Bridgedown House Bed & Breakfast. We offer a variety of rooms and services to ensure that your every need is met and that your ... More
Westend Guesthouse (0.67 miles)
Natural Retreats (1.42 miles)
Welcome to a new concept in luxury retreats. Set in the heart of some of the most beautiful and secluded countryside in the UK, Natural Retreats offers residences of unparalleled ... More
Travelodge Scotch Corner Skeeby (3.15 miles)
Hartforth Hall Hotel (3.34 miles)
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