Helmsley History

Helmsley hasn't always been such a peaceful backwater. At the height of its prosperity as a weaving centre in the seventeenth century, the loom operators were famous for their thirsts, their songs and their leather breeches. Historic accounts of the local fair suggest an event that was fraught with fist-fights and drunkenness.

Today visitors can expect an all-together more peaceful reception now that Helmsley is a favourite haunt of walkers rather than drinkers.

The North Yorkshire town, with its beautiful riverside walks, traditional tearooms and genteel country pubs, has certainly lost nothing of its timeless appeal, which draws people from all over the world.

Helmsley Castle, with it's impressive earthworks, was built by Walter L'Espec in the 12th century to mark the centre of his extensive estates in the Rye valley and was later extended and improved by Robert de Roos. It didn't see action, however until the Civil War when it was garrisoned for the King. After being laid siege, it fell into the hands of the Parliamentarians and was partially destroyed.

Perhaps the most famous asset Helmsley has is Duncombe Park, a fine mansion which has been in turn, the Duncombe's family seat for nearly three centuries, a hospital and a girl's school until bought in 1985 by Lord Feversham, a cousin of the third and last Earl, who restored it to its former glory and opened it to the public in 1990.