Places To Visit

It was from the old French “riche” and “ mont”, meaning a strong hill, that Alan Rufus, Earl of Bretagne,  built Richmond Castle – reputably the oldest stone built castle in Europe- on a steep promontory of natural rock north of the River Swale between 1071-1091.  A nephew of William the Conqueror, Alan was rewarded with grants of land and manors formerly in the possession of Earl Edwin for his military skills at the Battle of Hastings and the Siege of York.  These estates were formed into the honours of Richmond.  

The imposing keep was built about 1146 over the original gateway of the Castle by Conan; a descendant of Alan, who became the first to style himself Earl of Richmond.

The town of Richmond; often referred to as ‘the gateway to Swaledale’, grew under the protection of the castle.  As the military usefulness of the castle’s outer bailey diminished, shops and houses were built around its perimeter, and the cobbled Market Place became an important centre for medieval markets and fairs.  The right to hold a Saturday Market was embodied in a charter of 1268, a tradition which still continues today. The Trinity Chapel - in parts dating from the 12th century - was  originally the castle garrison church, and, like the rest of the former outer bailey,  adapted to’ civilian’ requirements. During the dissolution, the Corporation of Richmond became the owners of the Chapel; the resultant secularisation allowing houses and shops to be built around it.   Under the north aisle there are still several shops and a Regimental Museum. 

 The present Georgian architecture of the Market Place owes much to the prosperity brought by the Swaledale lead mines during the 18th and 19th centuries, and  Richmond’s18th century Georgian Theatre Royal, exemplifies the development of the town during this period.  Built in 1788 by player-manager Samuel Butler, its unprepossessing exterior reflects the eclectic mix which regularly gathered to enjoy  the  theatrical performances of  touring actors..  The theatre can be reached by passing through the Medieval Postern Gate, of Friar’s Wynd. The Theatre Museum contains the oldest surviving painted scenery in Britain, and documents  its history from conception to the present day.   .

The river Swale offers enjoyment to both anglers and walkers. Below the Foss the fishing consist of both trout and course fishing, whilst above the Foss trout and grayling.  Strolling along the banks of the Swale, the recently restored Richmond Station is well worth a visit, with its heritage centre, cinema, café-restaurant, art gallery and artisan food producers. From here follow the river to Easby Abbey.  Founded in 1152 by the Order of Premonstratensians, it is one of the best preserved   religious houses in Yorkshire.

Visitors during May and June can enjoy the annual spring event known as the Swaledale Music and Arts Festival. Held in various Dales venues, the Swaledale Festival celebrates music, poetry and the visual arts as well as offering a programme of guided walks. For further details: 01748 880019 or enquiries@swaledale-festival.org.uk

.Some 12 miles north-west of Kirby Hill is the Teesdale market town of Barnard Castle, with its Dickensian, Scott  and -  like The Yorkshire Dales – Turner associations. Because of its strategic position, Barnard Castle was once an important Roman Fort, built to protect the route across the Pennines. The romantic ruins of the 12th century castle overlooking the river date back to the Norman period.  Built by Bernard Balliol between 1112 – 1132, this important stronghold, like Richmond Castle, pre-dated the settlement which took its name.

Dominating the town’s market place is the octagonal Butter Mart.  Built in 1747, its previous roles have included local jail and courthouse.

In the style of a French chateau, the Bowes Museum was purpose built  to house the art collection of Josephine and John Bowes, and includes paintings by Turner and Canaletto. Perhaps the most popular exhibit is the18th century silver swan, a musical automaton which ‘performs’ daily at 2pm. 

Situated in Upper Teesdale, and accessed via a lovely woodland walk, High Force  is the biggest waterfall in England, plunging  70 feet into a pool below. At the end of the Ice Age, ice sheets melted releasing vast quantities of water to cut river channels, the subsequent erosion of the rock eventually pushing the water upstream.