Friary celebrates 750th anniversary

The Franciscan Friary in Richmond, which was founded in 1258, will be the subject of two church services, a play, and a grand civic procession.

The occasion will also see the first gathering of Franciscans in the Friary since its enforced closure in 1538.

Some historians believe the Franciscans came to Richmond after local William of Esseby - possibly the modern-day Easby - visited Assisi, and became a personal friend of St Francis after whom the order is named. William is believed to have been among the part of Franciscan Friars who first came to England in 1224.

Following the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, the Friary was closed in 1538 and much of the buildings stones were used to create Friar's Wynd, which is still in existence today.

The main remaining feature of the ruins - the tower - was not approved by official Franciscan rules and was paid for separately by the people of the town.

On Saturday, September 27 a Mass will be held in the St Joseph and Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Newbiggin, Richmond, at 11am led by father Michael Copps.

Following Mass there will be a civic procession led by town mayor Judith Steggles, as well as representatives from Christians Together in Richmond, to the Friary ruins. Here, at noon, an ecumenical service will be led by Reverend Alan Coustick of Richmond Methodist Chapel before the procession continies to the Town Hall for a civic reception.

The following Saturday, October 4, a Mass will be held at the St Joseph and Francis Xavier Church at noon to celebrate the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi.

The Mass will be attended by members of the Catholic Secular Franciscan Order, who will perform the Transitus Play and Service to re-enact the death of St Francis.

At 2pm the order will walk to the Friary ruins for a closing prayer.

Event co-ordinator Tony Pelton said: "This is a real landmark, and we are very much looking forward to commemorating it."