After completing the keep at Richmond Castle, Henry II significantly strengthened the castle by adding walls, towers and a barbican

Richmond Castle, constructed in 1071, is situated above the spectacular river Swale in North Yorkshire.

After putting down a rebellion in 1069, William the Conqueror decided, as punishment, to give the lands of North Yorkshire to his most loyal followers. Alan de Ponthievre (Alan the Red) of Brittany received the borough of Richmond and began constructing the castle to defend against further attacks from the north. The original castle had a French keep but this was latter replaced by a 100-foot-high keep constructed at the end of the 12th century by Conan the Little and completed by King Henry II.

After completing the keep, Henry II significantly strengthened the castle by adding walls, towers and a barbican. Richmond Castle has remained mostly intact down through the centuries due to the fact that it was almost entirely built from local stone, and as a consequence, was never seriously involved in any of the wars that ravaged other castles of its era.

The castle gradually fell into decay and in 1855 became the headquarters of the North Yorkshire Militia. A military barracks was constructed in the great courtyard. The castle was used extensively during the First World War, primarily as the base of the Non-Combat Corps made up of conscientious objectors. The barracks in the great courtyard were destroyed in 1935 but the castle was still used by the army in the Second World War.

Today English Heritage looks after the castle.

Tourist Information

1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

1 Oct-31 Mar 10am-4pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed

Admission Prices

Adult:£3.60  Children  £1.80  Concession:£2.70  Family ticket £9.00