Richmond

Richmond. 1. A municipal borough and town in the North Riding of Yorkshire, 42 miles N.W. of York, is on the left bank of the Swale, which is crossed by a stone bridge a little below the town. The town is on a height above the river, and has an ancient town-hall, two churches, one of which dates from Henry III., and a fine old ruined castle with a keep 100 feet high, which overhangs the river. The grammar school is well known in North Yorkshire. Among the industries are iron- and brass-working, rope- and paper-making, and tanning, and there are training stables in the neighbourhood. Near are the ruins of Easby Abbey. A branch of the North-Eastern Railway serves the town. Richmond no longer sends a member to Parliament.

2. Richmond, formerly called Sheen, a noted town in Surrey, upon the Thames, here crossed by a stone bridge of five arches, 12 miles S.W. of London. It has several churches, and many almshouses. The town is partly upon Richmond Hill and partly on a plain, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery and interesting seats, and is a favourite resort for members of London society who seek change and recreation. The Royal Park, eight miles in circumference, was enclosed by Charles I.

3. The capital of Virginia, United States of America, is at the head of the tide-water near the James river, 100 miles S.W. of Washington. The streets are wide and at right angles, and the Shockoe creek flows through the centre of the town. Capitol Square (a park of nine acres) has the Capitol in the middle, with portraits and the state library, Washington monument, Foley's statue of General Stonewall Jackson, and a statue of General Lee. Among public buildings are the Governor's bouse, the town-hall, and the Federal buildings. There are many parks, and a beautiful cemetery (Hollywood) which has natural scenery. Bridges connect the town with its suburb Manchester. The great water-power from the falls is of great use in the industries, which deal chiefly with iron, tobacco, grain, and flour. There is ready steam and railway communication. During' the Civil War Richmond was capital of the Confederate States.