The Northern Dales Richard III Group was founded in 2013 in Barnard Castle after the timely discovery of the lost remains of Richard III in August 2012. Fresh interest and enthusiasm combined with well-established local Richard III connections drew together long-standing Ricardians as well as those newly fascinated by the recent events.
Our informal group meets every 4-6 weeks in Barnard Castle for the study of late C15th history in our area with particular focus on the reign and reputation of Richard III. Members attend from across Teesdale and Swaledale, Darlington and district, and as far as Northallerton and Northumberland.
We organise:
- meetings, trips and talks on historical subjects associated with Richard III and local medieval history: “Richard’s College at Barnard Castle”; “Medieval Marriage”; “The Order of the Golden Fleece”; visits to Castle Bolton, Towton battlefield, and Richard’s birthplace at Fotheringhay, amongst many others
- group research & encourage other Ricardian projects: the guidebook “Richard III’s North”, a Richard III musical – “Lord of the North” – for Primary School children, a RIII Christmas Tree, and in 2024 a commemorative etched glass windows in St Mary’s Parish Church, Barnard Castle – “Windows for the King”
Our fundraising events and activities include:
- the Middleham Festival;
- a medieval banquet;
- biennial Study Days open to all
We also enjoy meeting at our annual Christmas Meal and Summer Social