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Richmond Town Council was inaugurated after Local Government re-organization in 1974 and still holds its meetings in the Town Hall’s Council Chamber, next to the main Assembly Room containing the old town court room, known as the Georgian Court Room. Richmond has a Town Mayor, a Town Clerk and a civic entourage of two sergeants-at-mace and two halberdiers. The Town Hall, built in 1756, is still the focal point of Richmond`s civic and social life, hosting a large number of events and meetings throughout the year.

The Town Council still celebrates local customs linking the town to its past. Richmond, in medieval times, was one of the leading corn markets in the north of England. In September each year, the ancient custom of the First Fruits is remembered. A sackful of newly threshed corn is tested for its quality, and provided it is good, the farmer is rewarded with a bottle of wine. Those watching the ceremony in the middle of town are offered sherry to celebrate the harvest.

Similarly, every seven years, Boundary Riding takes place, to commemorate the town being given a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth 1 in 1576. The Town Mayor, officials and hundreds of local people enjoy the fourteen mile walk to reaffirm the ancient boundaries of Richmond Town. This ceremony is now held in August, not September, so that school children can join in the festivities, as do some of our visitors. Boundary Riding will next take place in 2011.

The town occasionally awards the Freedom of Richmond for a special contribution to the life of the town. It was first awarded in 1725 to an individual, Francis Nicholson, who became the governor of South Carolina, U.S.A. It is now given to a number of military units which have strong links with Richmond . Each recipient can celebrate its freedom by marching through the town in full ceremonial garb. The Green Howards, (now the Yorkshire Regiment), The 8th Royal Corps of Signals, the R.A.F. Regiment and the Company of the frigate H.M.S. Richmond all have been awarded this honour and have created many a colourful parade through the town, marching with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying.