Richmond
Major Settlement in the Parish of Easby
Historical Forms
- Richemunt 1176 et passim P, etc.
Etymology
The site of Richmond was called Hindrelac in DB and Hindeslak in 1184RichReg 84 (a digest of DB). The elements of this name are not clear from the scanty material.
After the Conquest Earl Alan considered the fine strategic importance of the place and built himself a castle which he called Richemund (e ) (1108–14 YCh 25, c. 1130 SD, c. 1155 BM et passim , Richemunt 1176et passim P, etc.) on the top of a lofty precipice overlooking the Swale R. The name was probably transferred from some well-known site in France where there are many examples of the name. Here it means 'strong hill,' and for this meaning of OFr riche v. Godefroy s.v.