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'.
Information Posters
Five large card displays are being moved around the area to celebrate the 750th occasion. Begun in March at Richmond Library, they gave a past and present picture of Franciscan life. They are available on loan and have been shown in the Co-op Friary super store and J. Wetherspoons ‘Ralph Fitz Randal.’
Information Pack Available
A leaflet about the Friary is available and this is offered with other Richmond information leaflets in a pack for the receipt of three second class stamps. The new booklet on the friary is also available by post for £3 inc p&p. Send to - Tony Pelton, Event Co-ordinator, Joiners Cottage, High Green, Catterick, North Yorkshire, DL10 7LN.
Franciscan and Poor Clares in Yorkshire
Research information is being sought on the above, as 2009 is the 800th Anniversary Year of the Founding of the Friars Minor by St. Francis at Assisi.
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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.
Other related information available on Richmond Online...
Friary Tower and Gardens
The Richmond Greyfriars and their History
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.
The 700th & 750th Celebrations
The foundation of the friary in 1258 was remembered in 1958 with a procession and solemn mass in the friary grounds and a booklet about the friary was published by Professor Bernard Jennings. This is still available at Richmondshire Museum in Ryders Wynd. Also there are copies of the latest publication on the friary by Mike Wood, Chairman of the Friends of Richmondshire Museum.
The 750th Celebrations will see a Civic Mass being celebrated in Sts. Joseph and Francis Xavier Church in Newbiggin, Richmond supported by Churches Together in Richmond. This will be on Saturday 27th September, followed by a walk to the Friary Church ruins for a short ecumenical service.
The following Saturday 4th October is the Feast Day of the founder of the Franciscan Order, St. Francis of Assisi and secular members of the order will perform the Transitus Service, of his passing from this life, in Sts. Joseph and Francis Xavier’s Church and then walk to the friary gardens for a closing prayer.
New Town Walk
Richmond has various Town Walks and the main local Walking Festival is in September. A newly introduced walk, takes visitors round the footprint the Franciscan Friars have left on Richmond Town Centre. In arrangement with Richmond Tourist Information Centre in the Friary Gardens, walks will be available every Thursday during June, July, August and September, departing at 2pm. Contained within the Town Centre, the walk takes about an hour and a half.
Party bookings for any other occasion can be made through the Tourist Information Centre – 01748 828742.
Guided Walks have already been undertaken for York Secular Franciscans, who last July agreed to take a trial run for this year's event. Northumberland Catholic History Society on their way to Fountains Abbey called in for a morning visit and the party of 35 was divided between two guides. Richmond and District Civic Society taking the script available, took their own party of members and friends around on an evening visit.
FYI
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.
