Guidebook: Helmsley Castle

Standing on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by impressive defensive ditches, the ruins of Helmsley Castle still dominate the adjacent town. A castle was first raised by Walter Espec by 1153, but was rebuilt in stone by the powerful northern baron Robert de Ros II later that century. The buildings that stand today largely date from this time and from the later Middle Ages, when further building works were carried out by successive members of the de Ros family. The west range was converted into a Tudor mansion in the 16th century and interior fittings from this time, including a carved fireplace, still survive. The castle was besieged by Parliament during the Civil War with the buildings and defences partially demolished following its surrender. Many of the castle’s buildings still survive, however, including remains of the outer barbican and the substantial east and west towers. An exhibition in the west range displays many of the objects discovered at Helmsley during site clearances in the 20th century. This new guidebook includes specially commissioned reconstruction drawings of the late medieval and Tudor castle, as well as maps, plans and comparative images, and an in-depth feature on the Helmsley Archaeology Store. Key Features: 48 pages Paperback Published in 2017