Richmond Online - 
2008 - 750th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Franciscan Friary in Richmond
The foundation of a friary is not an everyday occurrence and the last and only time, this happened in Richmond was 750 years ago and this has inspired a response, both historic and religious. Of the historic, the ruins are little, but there is a clear imprint on the town of the friars’ past presence and activities, along with recorded material, which, for example, is supporting a revised history of the friary and a 'Franciscan' Walk within the town centre.
Of the Franciscan family, there is an invitation extended to all denominations, religious and lay groups and individuals, to participate and provide any complimentary activity.
Fifty years after the Foundation of the Franciscan Order, friars reached England, landing at Dover and taken to be vagabonds, because of the simplicity and coarseness of their clothing, were thrown into prison. They survived the experience and will in 2009, worldwide, celebrate their 800th Anniversary of their foundation. Richmond, North Yorkshire is a convenient curtain raiser, which deserves the interest of Franciscans and the world!
Why did the Franciscans come to Richmond in North Yorkshire? One of St. Francis earliest companions was William of Esseby. A mile from Richmond is Easby. Local historians would like to think they are one and the same. There was at Easby the White Canons Abbey of St. Agatha and this, unusually, next to St. Agatha’s Church. There may have been a teaching facility in the abbey, which William may have attended and hearing of the friars, preferred to go in that direction? Did William have any influence on the friars coming to North Yorkshire? He is known to have been at Cambridge. The de Burgh family from Suffolk came to North Yorkshire, settling at Brough-with-St. Giles, next door to Easby. Ralph Fitz Randal was the local sponsor of an eventual seven-acre site, in which the ruins sit, and still today, substantially a clearly defined open space, within the town centre and probably a site unique in England. Walling, not necessarily the original, still defines the 'Friars Closes'.
More related information on Richmond Online...
Friary Tower and Gardens | The Richmond Greyfriars and their History
FILM: 'Francis – God's Jester' by Robert Rossellini, 1950 b/w, in Italian with English sub titles, 83 minutes, shot in neo-realist style, using non-professional actors including Franciscan Friars. Reference 1.33:1 OAR. A Rizzoli Production. This was re-issued as a DVD by the Independent newspapers. Information on any other Franciscan story films and DVDs is welcome to the Event Co-ordinator.
Information Pack Available.
750th Anniversary and other leaflets can be sentto you by post. Please send 3 second class stamps, with a name and address, to the address below.
For all information and enquiries contact the event co-ordinator
Tony Pelton,
Joiners Cottage, High Green, Catterick, North Yorkshire DL10 7LN
Telephone 01748 818703
We are hoping to hold various events throughout the town in the coming months...
Click here to check the Events Diary for up to date info on events as it comes in
The 'year' of celebration starts in March and runs through to November, possibly December if a Live Animals' Crib could be enacted in the Friary Gardens.
In March there will be a launch of the event supported by the publication of a revised history of the friary, the commencement of 'Franciscan Walks', a dedicated display in Richmondshire Museum, and a special real ale available at the Weatherspoon's inn 'The Ralph Fitz Randal'
Leaflets and more information about the 750th Anniversary can be found at the following places:
Rosemary Lane - Julie D - Florist, Harveys Restaurant
Market Place - Co-op Travel, Cross View Café, Market Hall
King Street - Richmond Chemists
Queens Road - Tourist Information Centre, Weatherspoon's "Ralph Fitz Randal", Co-op Superstore
Later in the year, a celebratory Mass and Civic Procession to the Friary Ruins for an Ecumenical Service. Floodlighting of the Friary Tower in September and The Franciscan 'Transitus' play to be given in Richmond by Third Order Franciscans.
Richmondshire Museum - Franciscan Display. Telephone Contact – 01748 818703
Click here to check the Events Diary for up to date info on events as it comes in
Photographs - For a record of the year, copies of any photographs of visitors or visiting groups would be appreciated to the event Co-ordinator. Please state a brief detail about the photograph and contact details.
Art work - the event may well inspire art work. Any aspect of the event or the surroundings can be considered. Likewise, please contact the event Co-ordinator for further details.
