About Us

I would like to warmly welcome you to ‘The Castle House’ Boutique Bed & Breakfast in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Situated in the shadow of the famous castle, overlooking the historic town square of Richmond and positioned in one of the most stunning parts of Richmond and the North Yorkshire Dales.

The team at The Castle House can offer you a little bit of pampering and make you feel well looked after. We pride ourselves on our warm and friendly welcome and our second-to-non hospitality in this beautiful, quirky and luxurious setting.

Our B&B story stretches back 15 years when we opened our first B&B in the 'Old Manor House’ in the historic market town of Barnard Castle in County Durham and haven’t looked back. Since taking over The Castle House in February ’22 we have expanded to 8 rooms being able to accommodate up to 17 guests at any one time.

Each bespoke room has en-suite facilities, free Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions with free view, bath robes, hairdryers, and tea and coffee making facilities to make your stay as relaxing and comfortable as possible. All guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of wine, or tea/coffee. Most importantly, you are welcomed in the morning for breakfast where you can choose from cereals and fresh fruit followed by a traditional English breakfast or smoked salmon & scrambled egg.

All guests have use of the communal sitting room, where there is a small library of books and information on local attractions in the North Yorkshire Dales and in Richmond.

I have always taken pride in taking time to look after my guests ensuring that I continue to offer all of the most ‘important’ attributes that I appreciate when staying away, to encompass a place to remember, enjoy and feel pampered are my key goals to achieve.

Situated just off the main market place of the historic town of Richmond, there is no better place that is located within just a stone’s throw to the centre (1 minute walk) that is quiet, yet within easy reach of all amenities such as restaurants, public houses, book shops, banks, bakeries, theatre etc etc.

I really hope that you enjoy your stay here at The Castle House. Please do let me or my girls know if there is anything we can do to make it all the more special.

It really is a pleasure welcoming you.

Your hosts

Miriam & Nigel

History of Castle House and Richmond

The market town of Richmond - from the Norman French 'riche-monte' meaning 'strong hill' - has grown up around the Norman Castle which still dominates the town today.

The building of the castle as a military stronghold commenced in 1071 on land gifted to Alan Rufus (the Red) of Brittany by his kinsman William the Conqueror as reward for his part in the victory over King Harold, and his subsequent support of William as one of his most trusted advisers.

Richmond, North Yorkshire was the first town to be called Richmond. It is the Mother of All Richmonds.

Medieval Richmond - 13th, 14th & 15th Centuries

Important growth in wealth led to Richmond becoming a chartered borough. It had 13 craft guilds (which controlled trade.) It had important markets and fairs.

Two craft guilds exist to this present day. A market is still held every Saturday. (1441 Henry IV granted a royal charter to hold a Saturday market.)

1311 Defensive stone walls built to protect the town from Scottish raids. Two postern gates in the town wall still survive; The Bar postern at the top of Cornforth - Hill and in Friars Wynd the other Postern gate remains.

The Market Place A large area, was originally the outer bailey of the castle. At this time once stood The Stocks and Pillory, for punishing wrongdoers. Also the market cross was a feature in the market. It was a place to gather and a position for selling Butter and Cheese.
The Market Cross was replaced by the present Obelisk.

The Bubonic Plagues -14th and 15th Centuries Richmond and Swaledale had a series of very wet weather during these years, resulting poor harvests. Cattle and Sheep developed disease which led to the population in 1349 being devastated with Bubonic Plague. Lesser epidemics occurred for the next 100 years. A cemetery at Easby Church has a plague stone. This deadly disease wiped out many of the inhabitants and affected the trade and farming industry.

Medieval Religious Houses Richmond had three chapels in the Castle, Trinity Chapel in the Marketplace, later, St.Mary The Virgin Parish Church, three Chapels on the outskirts of the town, a College for Chantry Priests, two small Hospitals and an Anchorite's cell, (Maison Dieu Area.)

Important religious House of the Greyfriars (now only the Bell Tower remains) and the premonstratensian - order of The White Canons at Easby Abbey. A small chapel dedicated to St. James of Compestella existed in what is now St. James Chapel Wynd, which leads from the Green to Bargate.

1536/7 Henry VIII broke allegiance from Rome, which eventually resulted in England becoming English Catholics with Henry head of the Church. Following this, Henry caused the dissolution of the Monasteries, The Abbey at Easby and The Friary both had their roofs and alters shattered, as well as the kitchens laid waste. (Hence Easby Abbey ruins and the limited ruins of the Friary remain.)

All of the above information has been provided by Richmond Online, an excellent website that I am sure you will find extremely useful to visit for more information, not only on the history of Richmond, but also current events, town guide and much more.  Please click here to find out more www.richmond.org