Richmond Castle was built in the late 1000s by a cousin of William the Conqueror named Alan Rufus, and his estates in the north of England were run from the castle, making it one of the most important castles in the north. I made a fleeting visit to the castle to walk around the ruins and the gardens, but the majority of the castle was shut due to the coronavirus pandemic. I hope to return to visit the castle, museum, and the village of Richmond at some point once the castle is open and it is safe to do so. The castle is located just off of the town square, and it looks like an attractive town to visit to do some shopping and pop into one of the pleasant-looking pubs or cafes for a bite to eat.
The castle was built to squash raids and rebellions in the north of England.
In more modern times, the castle was used as a prison and also in World War I for the military. Some of the graffiti can be seen today on the walls, but this was currently closed off.
Robin Hood Tower is the name of the tower which contains an early chapel called St. Nicholas' Tower. The glass was imported from northern Germany. This tower dates from the late 11th century, but the name 'Robin Hood Tower' was given in Victorian times.
Gold Tower
View from Gold Tower
View of Cockpit Gardens from Gold Tower
Gold Tower lower level
Gold Hole Tower is located at the back corner of the castle and was named after a legend that a hoard of gold was discovered here in the 1800s. These were private apartments.
The 'cockpit garden' is unique to Richmond Castle, and it was unknown what the area was used for originally. It could have had buildings or kitchen gardens, but it is thought it was used for outdoor entertainment and bear-baiting. In later years, vines and fruit trees were planted here, and the ground was also used for cock fighting. Today, the 'cockpit garden' is a pretty garden with flowers and fruit trees, including the "Cats Head" apple tree, one of the earliest varieties of English apple.
Scolland's Hall is the main dining hall of the castle and was probably used for legal proceedings and business as well.
Richmond Castle was home to a great chapel and a couple of smaller chapels as religion was important to life in those times, but the large chapel has been lost.
A small museum is located next to the shop at Richmond Castle, and this contains information about the castle and some of the items discovered in the well, including the well bucket (made of lead) and various pots and chamber pots that had fallen in. Later on, the well was used to throw rubbish in.
Richmond Castle is maintained by English Heritage, and it is open to the public at the moment for a socially-distanced visit. However, the keep and parts of the castle remain closed. I hope to visit the castle and town of Richmond once it is open and safe to do so.
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