Richmond Castle

Richmond Castle, originally known as Riche Mount, is located on the River Swale in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

The castle was built in 1071, after William the Conqueror put down the 1069 rebellion at York. He gave the lands at Richmond to Alain Le Roux de Penthièvre of Brittany who then built the castle to protect his interests. The castle was improved upon over the years, the stone keep was built in the 12th century. In the 14th century a group of two-storey buildings were built that house a chapel with its chamber.

The castle fell out of use in the 14th century, and by 1538 is was in ruins. In 1855 the North Yorkshire Militia built a huge barracks in the courtyard. Robert Baden-Powell commanded the Northern Territorial Army in 1908 for two years here, then went on to form the scout movement. The barracks were demolished in 1931.

During the World wars, the castle was used as a prison. Graffiti from conscientious objectors from World War I can still be seen today.

The castle is a grade I listed building and is in the care of English Heritage.