Helmsley Castle

Helmsley castle in North Yorkshire is one of the North’s greatest castles. Set in a stunning landscape, construction on it started in approx. 1120 for Walter Espec. The earth works of this original building can still be seen today. 

Walter Espec acquired massive portions of land in North Yorkshire through many important positions he held including ‘Justiciar of the Forest’ for the King and he also led the English army at the Battle of the Standard in 1138 against the Scottish. Espec donated large amounts of land to monastic houses including to Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux to build nearby Rievaulx Abbey. This was common in medieval times by rich landowners to try and guarantee their place in heaven, or at least cut down the amount of time they had to spend in purgatory, as per medieval Christian belief.

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The south barbican is my favourite part of the castle. It is very complete and is a magnificent sight upon approach. The barbican was built in the 13th century by Robert de Roos II who rebuilt the castle. He was also an important man in his time – he was included among the barons chosen to ensure that King John observed Magna Carta. He took up the cross and went on crusade to the Holy Land, then he joined the most elite military order the Knights Templar – who were originally formed to protect pilgrims on the road to Jerusalem. De Roos died in 1227 and was laid to rest in Temple Church, London.

The east tower is a massive structure, still today. There is also the remains of a kitchen, a well, the hall, the chapel and the bake house. A 16th century mansion built within the castle walls is now the museum, displaying artefacts found on site. The interior of the building still has the original fireplaces and wooden panels inside.

The castle was in use all through the middle ages until the time of the Civil War when the Royalist forces in the castle were sieged by a Parliamentarian army in 1644. This was the first and last time the castle saw this type of combat. The siege lasted 3 months, the Royalists surrendered due to lack of food and then the castle was ordered to be dismantled. The east tower was blown apart, large portions still lay where they fell. The other towers and some parts of the wall were knocked down, but there is enough still standing to imagine how impressive the castle would have looked in its prime!

Helmsley castle is now owned by English Heritage, and Rievaulx Abbey is just a few minutes away in a car. I highly recommend a visit.

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