Helmsley Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Helmsley Castle |
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| Helmsley, North Yorkshire | |
Helmsley Castle
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 Helmsley Castle
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| Coordinates | 54°14′21″N 1°03′56″W / 54.2391°N 1.0655°W |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | English Heritage |
| Condition | Ruins |
| Site history | |
| Demolished | English Civil War |
Helmsley Castle is a medieval castle located in the market town of Helmsley, in the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England. This historic castle is now mostly in ruins but still offers a fascinating look into the past.
The Castle's Early Days
Who Built Helmsley Castle?
Even though the land of Helmsley was given to Robert, Count of Mortain, after the Norman conquest, he didn't build a castle here. The first castle, made of wood, was built around 1120 by a man named Walter l'Espec.
It was built on a rocky hill overlooking the River Rye. Unlike many castles of its time, which were simple "motte and bailey" designs, Helmsley Castle had double ditches and a rectangular inner area. Walter l'Espec also gave land nearby to build Rievaulx Abbey.
Passing Through Generations
Walter l'Espec had no children, so when he died in 1154, the castle went to his sister, Adelina. Her son, Robert de Ros, began to rebuild the castle in stone in 1186. He added two main towers, round corner towers, and the main entrance on the south side.
Robert died in 1227, and his son William took over. William lived at the castle from 1227 to 1258. During his time, the only new addition was a small chapel in the castle courtyard.
Strengthening the Castle Walls
William's son, also named Robert, inherited the castle in 1258. He was Lord of Helmsley until 1285. Robert married Isabel d'Aubigny, who was very wealthy. Her money helped pay for a new great hall and kitchen, and made the castle stronger.
They also built an impressive outer defence called a barbican on the south side. A wall was added to divide the castle into two parts: the south side was for the lord's family, and the north side was for castle officials. The work to strengthen the castle continued under Robert's son, William de Ros II, who died in 1316.
A Royal Visit to Helmsley
The East Tower of the castle might have been made taller especially for a visit from King Edward III. He stayed at Helmsley Castle for about five days in 1334. Imagine a king visiting your home!
Changes and New Owners
From De Roos to Royalty
Helmsley Castle stayed with the de Roos family until 1478. Then, Edmund de Roos sold it to Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who later became King Richard III. However, King Richard didn't do anything to the castle. He preferred to stay at Middleham Castle.
After Richard III died in the Battle of Bosworth, King Henry VII gave Helmsley Castle back to Edmund de Roos.
The Manners Family and Tudor Changes
Edmund de Roos died without children in 1508. The castle then passed to his cousin, Sir George Manners. When Sir George died in 1513, his son Thomas inherited it. Thomas was made the first Earl of Rutland in 1525.
His grandson, Edward, made big changes to the castle. He turned the old hall into a grand Tudor mansion. The 13th-century chapel became a kitchen, and the new hall was taken down. The south barbican was also made more comfortable to live in.
The English Civil War and Destruction
During the English Civil War in 1644, the castle was attacked by Sir Thomas Fairfax. Sir Jordan Crosland defended it for the king for three months before giving up. After the castle surrendered, Parliament ordered it to be "slighted." This meant much of the walls, gates, and part of the East Tower were destroyed so it couldn't be used as a fortress again.
However, the Tudor mansion inside the castle was saved. By this time, the castle belonged to George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, who later married Mary, the daughter of Thomas Fairfax.
Helmsley Castle Today
Becoming a Ruin and a Tourist Spot
After the Duke of Buckingham died in 1687, the castle was sold to Charles Duncombe in 1695. He was a wealthy banker and politician. His family later built a large country house called Duncombe Park nearby, overlooking the castle.
They decided to let Helmsley Castle slowly fall into ruin. It became a beautiful, old backdrop for the Duncombe Park estate. Even the famous artist JMW Turner sketched it!
Over time, the local community started using the castle ruins for fun events like festivals and shows. In 1923, the Office of Works took over the care of the castle. They began to clear away trees and debris from the site.
Today, Helmsley Castle is still owned by the Feversham family of Duncombe Park, but it is looked after by English Heritage. It's a popular place for people to visit and learn about its long and exciting history.
Images for kids
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The remains of the East Tower.
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Helmsley Castle viewed from its walled garden to its west. The original keep is on the left. The buildings to the right are residential apartments added in the 1500s.
