Richmond & Northallerton on Market Days

Richmond & Northallerton

Richmond, North Yorkshire is a town of unique character and beauty which has changed little through the centuries. With the variety of shopping and its many pubs, hotels and restaurants, the proximity to the most stunning scenery anywhere to be seen, Richmond remains one of the most beautiful and rewarding places to visit in the Country. Founded by the Normans in 1071 the town grew up around the castle built on the 'riche-mont' or 'strong-hill' that gave the town its name and whose massive keep dominates all other buildings around. The first of all Richmonds, the Town was an important regional centre in the medieval period, when royal charters were granted giving rights to hold markets and fairs.

Northallerton is a market town in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire. There has been a settlement at Northallerton since Roman times, however its growth in importance began in the 11th century when King William II gifted land to the Bishop of Durham. Under the Bishop's authority Northallerton became an important centre for religious affairs. It was also a focus for much conflict in subsequent years between the English & the Scots, most notably the Battle of the Standard, nearby in 1138, which saw losses of as many as 12,000 men.