Richmond has been a military town since its founding in 1071, and today is home to Catterick Garrison, the largest British Army base in the world. Towering over the town is the 100-foot high keep of Richmond Castle, visible for miles around. Although the castle fell out of use in the latter part of the 14th century, it’s use as a military post was resurrected when military barracks were built within its walls in 1855, and the castle found use during World War I as a base for the Non-Combatant Corps and a prison for conscientious objectors. Today, it is a tourist site managed by English Heritage.
The distinguishing feature of Richmond Castle is its well-preserved and restored castle keep, 100 feet high with walls 11 feet thick. You can climb all the way to the top of the keep and look down over the castle walls and the River Swale on one side, and the town of Richmond on the other. Your kids will enjoy the climb and the view from the top, and will you. It is not a large castle, and you won’t be there long enough for the kids to get bored. Besides the keep, there are the remains of the chapel and several towers, which our kids thoroughly explored. You will find your kids move faster than you through ruins, but they will also make sure they explore every nook and cranny.
Apparently, there should also have been a display on the WWI prison there and the “Richmond 16,” who were imprisoned as conscientious objectors and sentenced to death (commuted to 10 years’ hard labor), but the display was closed when we were there.
Do I recommend Richmond Castle for visiting families? Yes, if you’re in the area. Middleham Castle, just 30 minutes away, is larger and more historic; if you’re pressed for time, visit Middleham instead. However, visiting Richmond Castle puts you in line of sight to Easby Abbey, so visiting Richmond allows you to knock out both of those in half a day, still giving you time to visit another site.
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