Helmsley Castle

Perhaps better enlarged Helmsley Castle stands on an outcrop of rock in the valley of the river Rye, overlooking the historic market town of the same name to the east. First raised by Walter Espec in the early 12th century, the castle was rebuilt in stone by Robert de Ros II from the 1190's, with his great East Tower overlooking the town. Robert's descendants developed the defences and the domestic accommodation of the castle throughout the Middle Ages. In the late 16th century the Manners family built a mansion within the inner bailey. During the Civil War, in 1644, the Royalist-held castle was besieged by Parliament. Upon its surrender, much of the medieval defences and the east tower were demolished , although the Elizabethan house remained in occupation. Banker Charles Duncombe bought the Helmsley estate in 1695 and a grand new house, Duncombe Park, was built nearby from 1713. The castle was never lived in again and slowly decayed into a picturesque ruin. The castle passed into State guardianship in 1923, and is now conserved by English Heritage.

Following the surrender of the castle during the Civil Wall in 1664, the outer face of the tower was undermined and brought down with gunpowder to prevent reuse. The collapse of the outer face of the tower reveals the the remains of the inner walls. The remains of the single pillar that supported the vaulted basement can be seen in the foreground. Above the three large windows can be seen the roofline of the original tower.

Perhaps better enlarged The basement which was used for storage has a window in the southwest wall overlooking the wall and ditch. This window has seats, and there are peacocks and the de Ros emblem carved at either end of the window arch. These date from around 1300, when the castle was enlarged. This impressive window suggests that an accounting officer might have worked here, taking advantage of the natural daylight, when auditing goods as they came and went. In the ceiling of the basement can be seen the impression of hazel wicker shuttering, the framed used to support the plaster between the vault ribs.

When first built, it comprised a basement with two floors above, providing views over the extensive parkland to the west and south. In the 14th century the tower was heightened, another floor being added. A third floor was added in the 16th century, and at the same time new windows and fireplaces were inserted. The rooms were probably divided subdivided into at least two chambers per floor. In the 14th century the tower was heightened, another floor being added. A third floor was added in the 16th century, and at the same time new windows and fireplaces were inserted. A latrine was inserted on each floor in the southern corner. A doorway in the west corner led onto the curtain wall at the second-floor level. The third floor was added in the 16th century, and at the same time new windows and fireplaces were inserted. The fireplaces blocking the 14th century windows in the southwest wall.

The view over the extensive parkland to the west and south from a ground floor window of the West Tower. this part of the tower was built originally by Robert de Ros II in about 1200, although this window dates from the 16th century.

The view over the extensive parkland to the west and south from a ground floor window of the West Tower. this part of the tower was built originally by Robert de Ros II in about 1200, although this window dates from the 14th century.

Displayed at Helmsley Castle Hambleton ware cistern from the 14 or 15th century found at Hemsley, was used for decanting ale. The hole at the base would have held a tap. Hambleton ware was manufactured in the Hambleton Hills and the Ryedale areas of North Yorkshire.

This oak partition was restored in 1928

Probably the private dining room of the late 16th century mansion. The room contains a handsome carved Elizabethan wooden partition, this oak partition was restored in 1928. An oriel window can be seen in the background.