Memories of Richmond

The View

In my youth I looked out on this view many times from the Castle Keep. We lived on Westfields Road which can just be seen over to the left of the picture.

The Cottage Hospital

I had my right knee stitched up here after being kicked by one of my Dad's racehorses
in July 1949

Newbiggin

I served on the Altar in the Catholic Church shown on the left of the photograph in 1946 and 1947.

Grey Friars Cafe

I lived in Richmond from the age of 6 weeks in 1936 to the age of 17 years in 1953.I loved Richmond, and still do. My father was a racehorse trainer, his stable was on Cravengate, just off Newbiggin. My family were good friends of Alice Fawcett who owned Grey Friars. When I visit on holiday I am always pleased to see that unlike other towns it has not changed that much.

Richmond Grammar School

I went to Richmond Grammar from 1963 to 1969. I left the area shortly after that and have only recently returned to North Yorkshire. I'm currently trying to get in touch with many of my old school friends. It's great to see this picture!

Up From Brum

The picture reminds of the year that my wife and I moved from Birmingham to Richmond and bought a house on what was then the new Shepherds Estate on the Darlington Road.  We soon came to love Richmond, N Yorkshire and that area for the people and countryside, that to a townie was an enlightening experience.  We lived in Richmond for five years and our two sons were born and safely delivered, one in Darlington and the second in Catterick Garrison Hospital.  Catterck Garrison Golf Club introduced me to the sport that I still play to an acceptable standard from time to time.  

Amongst many happy memories are walking round the Market Square on a Saturday and talking with the many friends (flat caps) who leaned themselves against the Midland Bank, Burtons, Woolworths etc chatting the morning away.

I was also known to visit the Turf Hotel early week day evenings and Sunday lunchtimes if not on the golf course.

After five years, due to work we moved from Richmond to Pershore, Worcestershire but returned eighteen months later to renovate Pear Tree House, Skeeby where we lived for two years before moving South due to work reasons to Weybridge, Surrey where we still reside.

Skeeby was a wonderful village to live in with friendly and hospitable people who welcomed us into their homes and hearts.  Naturally The Travellers Rest Pub, fifty yards up the village green from Pear Tree House added to the pleasures of Skeeby!

We have returned at intervals, but it is now thirty-one years since we left Skeeby. The many friends we made then are still with us, and the memories.

Family connections.

The premises on the left of the photograph were the house and business of Thomas Langstaff, a rope maker, between c1810 and c1900.