Greyfriars Tower

Ruined tower situated within Friary Gardens, an impressive historic feature that's the only surviving part of Richmond's Franciscan friary. The tower was constructed in the 15th century, and still stands to its full height, retaining many original details. It's worth a short detour to see while exploring Richmond, particularly as it's situated within attractive gardens. Unfortunately there were several dead chicks inside the tower on the day I visited which took the edge off just a little.

This 15th century tower, set in a serene and beautiful garden just a short walk from the market square, is all that is left standing of the medieval Greyfriars Friary, which got its name from the grey habits worn by its Franciscan friars. It must have been a fairly large and impressive religious complex in its day, if the height of the tower and the decorative stone carving are anything to go by! There was a church, cloisters and monastic buildings on this site, and the friars even had access to clean running water, which they shared with the Richmond townsfolk. You can still walk beneath the tower, and there are a couple of info boards about the friary's history that I found really interesting. A lovely quiet place to stroll, relax and maybe enjoy a picnic!

Lovely place to relax near the centre of Richmond, with plenty of benches. There's many other interesting historical buildings nearby, too.

Perfect place for a picnic and some quality family time. Beautifully kept gardens with a tower to imaginative play in. The information sign could do with a clean. Across the road from weatherspoons so easy access to toilets.

Nice ruins, garden and park