Richmond Castle
| Richmond Castle | |
|---|---|
| Richmond, North Yorkshire, in England | |
The 12th-century keep | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Norman enclosure castle with keep |
| Owner | The Duke of Richmond and Gordon |
| Operator | English Heritage |
| Open to the public | Open to the public |
| Condition | partial ruin |
| Location | |
Richmond Castle Location within North Yorkshire | |
| Coordinates | 54°24′06″N 1°44′15″W / 54.4017°N 1.7376°W |
| Grid reference | NZ171007 |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1071 |
| Built by | Alan Rufus |
| In use | Late 11th century – 14th century |
| Materials | Bagshot Heath stone |
| Events | |
| Official name | Richmond Castle |
| Reference no. | 1010627 |
Listed Building – Grade I | |
| Official name | Richmond Castle |
| Designated | 1 August 1952 |
| Reference no. | 1318398 |
Richmond Castle in Richmond, North Yorkshire, England, stands in a commanding position above the River Swale, close to the centre of the town of Richmond. It was originally called Riche Mount, 'the strong hill'. The castle was constructed by Alan Rufus from 1071 onwards following the Norman Conquest of England, and the Domesday Book of 1086 refers to 'a castlery' at Richmond.
In the 12th century, his great-nephew Conan expanded the castle and built the keep. Although it was derelict by 1540, it was restored centuries later. The property is the best-preserved early Norman castle in England and an important tourist attraction.
The building is Grade I listed and under the care of English Heritage.