Richmond 959 Celebrations - About the Project

A Very Big Birthday!

Records show that the building of the famous Norman castle in Richmond, North Yorkshire commenced in 1071. The town grew up around the castle and under its protection.

This year, 2021, Richmond Castle and town are celebrating their 950th birthday – indeed a very special year and what a lot of candles!

With the support of Richmondshire District Council, Richmond Town Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Castle Studies Trust, Richmond Castle and members of the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association are organising a year of celebrations.

Our Patron

Baroness Harris of Richmond

A word from our Patron, Baroness Harris of Richmond, who has kindly lent her support. “Richmond’s famous, historic, market town in North Yorkshire is 950-years old in 2021.

We are preparing for a wonderful year of celebrations in which we invite our fantastic local community, volunteers and visitors alike to come and enjoy. Famed for being the ‘Original’ Richmond we have given our name to all the other Richmonds around the world. We are proud and delighted to be its custodian during this momentous year and we look forward to sharing with everyone our 950-year old history.”

We would like everyone to get involved in celebrating their town and enjoy all that this remarkable year has to offer residents and visitors.

Because of changing restrictions, caused by Covid-19, the 950 team will be taking into consideration the need for flexibility throughout the year.

CelebrateRichmond950 is about the community of Richmond and for the wider community, as well as our visitors. There are opportunities for everyone to be involved.

An Asset for Richmond Now and For the Future

To commemorate this important anniversary, one of our key projects is the creation of a new Community Woodland on land provided by Zetland Estates.

The woodland will be a natural space for all for thinking, walking, talking, relaxing and playing together or alone, with your dog or without and with easy access for all ages and abilities.

It will be a habitat for wildlife and native species to thrive and an enhancement to the landscape.

This ambitious and inspirational project is good for Richmond, good for our community and good for the planet – carbon positive and helping with flood and water management and a wonderful enhancement for the landscape.