Richmond Castle

Richmond Castle sits on a hilltop overlooking the River Swale, its stone walls and central tower creating a commanding presence across the landscape. The site contains several structures within the fortifications, including Scolland's Hall, a surviving Norman great hall with thick walls and arched openings.

Alan Rufus began construction in 1071 following the Norman Conquest, receiving these lands as reward for his loyalty to William the Conqueror. The fortress was expanded over subsequent centuries and served as an important stronghold in northern England for centuries.

The castle walls display graffiti left by conscientious objectors imprisoned here during World War I, marking their personal protests against military service. These carvings offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of people held captive within these stone rooms.

The site is accessible via clear paths, though stone surfaces can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is advisable. An on-site exhibition center provides detailed information about the castle's history and the people who lived or were held here.

Scolland's Hall represents one of the few surviving Norman great halls in Britain, displaying architectural features from the 12th century that are rarely seen elsewhere. This space offers rare insight into how people lived and gathered in the earliest years after the Norman Conquest.

Location: Richmond

Inception: 1071

Founders: Alan Rufus

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Operator: English Heritage

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/richmond-castle

GPS coordinates: 54.40219,-1.73751

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:04