ARCHAEOLOGISTS at Richmond Castle will be aiming to uncover some more of the sites’ fascinating history this summer, with the help of the local community.

From the July 19 to August 6 a community archaeology project will be taking place in the grounds of the castle with volunteers from the local community are being invited to get involved, and get hands on with history.

The excavation forms part of the town’s 950 celebrations in partnership with English Heritage in conjunction with local independent heritage consultancy, Solstice Heritage.

The work which aims to uncover unknown chapters in the castle’s history, will be examining initial findings, made possible by previous geophysical surveys.

The property will be fully open to the public over the period of the excavation so visitors to the castle can watch the archaeology as it happens.

This year the town of Richmond marks 950 years since it was founded and evolved around the Norman Castle.

Members of the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association have worked with local councils and organisations who have joined in the celebrations over the year with a series of events, activities, talks, exhibitions and even a new beer being brewed.

The community archaeology project is a key element of the celebrations. It has been made possible with support and funding from Richmondshire District Council, The Castle Studies Trust, Richmond Civic Society and McLuckie Projects as well as Historic England. The work will be undertaken by local independent heritage consultancy, Solstice Heritage.

Dr Mark Douglas, senior properties curator for the North at English Heritage, said: “Sitting high above the river Swale in the centre of the Richmond the castle has been a spectacular and imposing sight since its foundation. It is one of the best preserved early Norman Castles in England. Originally built to subdue the unruly North of England it has always been at the heart of the town of Richmond.

“The site has a fascinating history and recent geophysical surveys have thrown up some interesting findings that this project will explore. It is great to be working with the local community and get them involved in uncovering some of the sites past.”

Marcia McLuckie from the Richmond 950 celebrations committee said “Despite the global pandemic and the challenges that it has brought to all of us Richmond has really come together as a town this year to celebrate our 950th birthday. Within the constraints of the pandemic we have managed to put on a wonderful programme of events and celebrations to be enjoyed by our local community and visitors to our lovely town. The castle has always been a key part of our towns history and we are looking forward to uncovering some more of that with this project.”

The excavation will be running between the following dates and the site will be open to the public to come and see the dig and what may be uncovered.

• Monday 26th July – Saturday 31st July

• Monday 2nd August – Friday 6th August

To find out more, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/richmond-castle.

Meanwhile, at Raby Castle – which is set in 200 acres of parkland in the heart of County Durham – has launched its biggest summer schedule yet, packed full of activities for all the family to enjoy.

Taking place between July 19 and September 5, a magical fairy tale story trail will see imaginations run wild in the stunning Walled Gardens, as visitors search high and low for enchanted objects from much-loved folk tales.

Dotted around the beautiful rose gardens and majestic yew hedges, a huge array of magnificent wicker structures – including a giant, a wolf, a glass slipper and a frog prince – will be there for all to find, taking inspiration from iconic fairy tale stories.

The story trail is included in the admission price to the castle, and children will receive a complimentary activity sheet upon arrival with a story trail puzzle to solve – those who do will receive a prize at the end.

The popular outdoor theatre and cinema is also returning to Raby this summer, so guests can sit back and relax in the stunning grounds of the castle as they watch their favourites on stage and on the big screen – from family blockbusters to award-winning musicals – including 1917, featuring scenes filmed at Raby itself:

• Outdoor Cinema: Trolls World Tour – Friday 13th August, 5pm

• Outdoor Cinema: A Star is Born – Friday 13th August, 8.15pm

• Outdoor Cinema: Moana – Saturday 14th August, 5pm

• Outdoor Cinema: Dirty Dancing – Saturday 14th August, 8.15pm

• Outdoor Cinema: The Greatest Showman – Sunday 15th August, 5pm

• Outdoor Cinema: 1917 – Saturday 15th August, 8.15pm

• Theatre in the Walled Gardens: Mr Stink – Saturday 28th August, 6.30pm

Raby’s harvest seasonal market is returning on Saturday, August 28 and Sunday, August 29, featuring treats, gifts and produce from handpicked suppliers.

Alongside all of this, there’s Raby Castle itself to discover, which is one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England, and visitors can spend hours exploring the park – where herds of red and fallow deer roam wild.

Sophie Brown, events manager at Raby Castle, said: “Summer is a time for outdoor adventures and making the most of the long days, and that’s why we’re so pleased we’re able to provide our guests with so many amazing activities to enjoy.

“From immersive family days out, to relaxing evenings for the adults, we’ve made sure there's something for everyone to delight in this summer, and we can’t wait to welcome new and returning guests to enjoy all that Raby has to offer.”

General admission tickets to Raby castle, park and gardens cost £13 for adults, £6.50 for children 5-15yrs, and under 5s go free. Separate tickets to the other events will need to be purchased.

For further information, and to book tickets to the different events, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle.

Raby Castle is set in 200 acres of undulating parkland in the heart of the beautiful Durham Dales in County Durham.

The Castle was built in the 14th century and was home to Cecily Nevill, mother of two kings of England.

The Deer Park is open daily, 10am to 4pm. The Castle and Walled Gardens open seasonally. The dog friendly Stables Café, Woodland Play Area and Stables Shop are open daily to the public, and visitors do not need a ticket to visit these areas.

Also part of the Raby Estate is the spectacular High Force Waterfall.