Begun by Alan the Red in 1071, the castle
was the center of the great estate known as the Earldom of Richmond.
The castle and title passed, through Alan's nephew, to the Dukes of Brittany,
who held hem for the next three centuries. The dukes frequently lost and
regained Richmond owing to their changing allegiances between the Kings of
France and England. The connection ended with the Hundred Years War.
Fifteenth Century owners included the Nevilles, Duke of Bedford, Edmund Tudor (father of Henry VII), George, Duke of Clarence until his death in 1478, and Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III.
The castle was originally built in stone, which was unusual because few castles were constructed of stone before the Twelfth Century. The original castle did not contain a keep but had a towered curtain and a gatehouse. Richmond's triangular hilltop was originally walled on two sides, the cliff above the river was considered more than adequate protection on the third. The western approach was quite steep so this part of the curtain did not contain a tower except for a narrow turret overlooking the river. One the east front, three square murals were provided, with a gatehouse occupying the northern part of the bailey.
The present keep occupies the site of the
original gatehouse. Only the inner gate arch survives. The upper
floor were reached by a doorway at the first floor level. Each floor was
linked by a straight staircase. The keep stands 100 ft. high to an
embattled parapet and angle turrets. This is the only part of the castle
that remains intact and has a roof. A new entrance gateway was cut
through the curtain wall next to the keep, with additional protection being
provided by a barbican, part of which can be seen toda
y.
The east curtain houses Robin Hood's Tower, which has a vaulted chapel at ground level. There was a second tower that collapsed. Beyond the tower, there is a gateway, leading into the outer bailey, surrounded by a later Norman curtain. Gold Hold Tower, is the third and last of Alan the Red's mural towers. It is attached to Scolland's Hall, believed to be the oldest hall in England. The hall is still intact, though roofless. Below the hall is an undercroft, one end containing a postern that leads to the outer bailey.
Home / Join the Foundation / Latest News / Richard III / The Legislation of Richard III / What History Has to Say /Lord of the North/ Richard III-Shakespeare's Victim / Rise to Power / FAQ / The Great Debate / Richard III-York / Princes Project
Primary Sources / The House of York / Wars of the Roses / Battle of Bosworth/ Titulus Regius / Fifteenth Century Life / Middleham/
Foundation Departments / Richard III Scholarship / The Middleham Restoration Endowment Study Days/Conferences / Research / Libraries / Ricardian Merchandise/ Discussion Forum/ Medieval Network