After the conquest, King William had considerable trouble controlling the rebellious north of England. So he peppered it with great castles, many of which still stand today. One of the most dramatic is surely Richmond, built for William's trusted ally, Alan of Brittany.

He chose this site for his principal castle and palatial residence. The 100ft high keep with its immensely thick walls was added a hundred years later to strengthen the defences.

At the entrance to beautiful Swaledale, Richmond Castle quite dwarfs the shops and town houses clustered below. From the top of the 30 metre high keep there are panoramic views over town and river. The castle had a long history of military of occupation, sometimes falling into decay but never totally neglected. Its very size and strength ensured this history was peaceful, and no sieges have left their mark on its walls.

Richmond was a residence as well as a place of fortification. Today the hall of the keep has been floored, reroofed and partly glazed.

These days, the bustle of the Great Court has been replaced by a tranquil stretch of grass, in contrast to the busy market town of Richmond outside its walls. A gentle stroll along the banks of the river Swale takes you to the peaceful ruins of Easby Abbey, a mile away.