Richmond's Friary, Richard's Fiery

Overlooking the Yorkshire town of Richmond is a large, ruined tower. It is known as the Grey Friars Tower, the relatively modern hospital in its shadow being called the Friary. The tower was ruined at the Reformation, but apparently built in the fifteenth century. The surrounding parkland is rather pleasant, and the tower is a curious historical relic.  

In May, 1484, King Richard III ordered Geoffrey Franke, the Receiver of Middleham Castle, 'to content the friars of Richmond with 12½ marks for the saying of a thousand masses for King Edward IV.' A mark is two thirds of an old pound (so 13 shillings and 4d). Although it might have been easier just to say ‘eight pounds’, this was still a substantial sum back in the 1480s. Although Richard may have truly loved his elder brother, Edward, this did not apparently stop him from taking the throne from his nephew, Edward V, Edward’s son. It is now common to acquit Richard of murdering Edward and his brother (the ‘Princes in the Tower’), but he certainly appropriated their inheritance.

Pity those who honour God with this or that, give money here and support there, but never vacate their heart’s throne to Christ, where He truly belongs. It will take more than a thousand masses to assuage the consequences of that usurpation.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21