From Iron Age fortifications, through 12th and 14th century
monasteries, to Jacobean and Victorian country houses,
Richmondshire has fine examples of buildings from many eras of
history.
- Although substantially damaged by the Dissolution, the
crumbling walls of the ancient Cistercian monastery of Jervaulx Abbey
still offer an interesting history and some beautiful
vistas. Open to the public with an honesty box system.
- Famous for its use as a prison for Mary Queen of Scots,
Bolton
Castle in Wensleydale was converted to a small
fortress in the fourteenth century. It is in a stunning setting and
also has gardens with a maze, arbours, raised rose-beds and a hazel
wattle fence.
- Middleham
Castle was the home of Richard III in his youth, and
again later after marrying Lady Anne Neville. Originally built
in the 12th century, further modifications turned the castle into a
fortified palace by the mid-15th century. It is now roofless,
after falling into decline then suffering further in the civil war,
but has many sections intact, and is well worth exploring.
Phone 01969 623899.
- One of the greatest Norman fortresses built to subdue the north
is Richmond Castle. Enjoy amazing views of
Richmond and the dales from the keep, and follow the riverside
Drummer Boy Walk to nearby Easby Abbey.
- The substantial ruins of Easby Abbey are in a
picturesque setting, around a mile south east of
Richmond.
- Moulton Hall is a compact stone manor house 5
miles east of Richmond. Now owned by the
National Trust, the property dates from 1650 and has a very fine
carved wood staircase. Viewing is by arrangement with the
tenant, Viscount Eccles, on 01325 377227.
- Millgate
House is an award winning town garden with year round
interest in the middle of Richmond.
- Constable Burton
Hall and Gardens, Leyburn.
Trees, woodland walks, garden trails, carpets of tulips and
daffodils in Spring. Fine collection of maples.
- Braithwaite Hall at East Witton near
Leyburn was once a 17th century hall, but now a
family home and working farmhouse. It has some fine original
features, including fireplaces, panelling and oak staircase. Open
to view by arrangement with the tenant. Phone 01969
640287.
- Kiplin
Hall, near Scorton is a Jacobean
country house in a wonderful setting with views west across the
lake to the Yorkshire Dales. Now furnished as a comfortable
Victorian home, the house is filled with family paintings and
furniture.
- Known as Stanwick
Camp, a complex of prehistoric earthworks covers an
area of more than 700 acres at Stanwick St John. Enclosed by
massive Iron Age ramparts of earth and stone, still standing to a
height of about five metres, this was a centre of great importance
for the pre-Roman people of northern Britain.
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