Helmsley Castle
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Overview
This is an atmospheric ruin with formidable double earthworks. The castle was built for defence rather than show – although it didn’t see any military action until the Civil War. It was here that the troops of Colonel Jordan Crossland, a loyal supporter of Charles I, were besieged by the Parliamentarian army of Sir Thomas Fairfax, which numbered a thousand troops. The siege lasted three months. It might have lasted longer, but Royalist reinforcements were intercepted, and provisions confiscated. Crossland, forced to surrender, marched out of the castle on 22 November 1644, ‘with colours flying and drums beating’. While the Parliamentarians accepted this amicable surrender, they dismantled enough of the castle to ensure that it could never again be used by any side in a conflict. They failed in their attempts to blow up the Norman keep, however, and the eastern wall still stands to its full height of 97 feet, giving you an idea of what an impressive fortification it once was.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, Apr-Sep, see website for details; Oct, daily 10-5; Nov-11 Feb and 17 Feb-29 Mar, Sat-Sun 10-4; 12-16 Feb, daily 10-4 (last admission 30 minutes before closing). Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
About the area
North Yorkshire, with its two National Parks and two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is England’s largest county and one of the most rural. This is prime walking country, from the heather-clad heights of the North York Moors to the limestone country that is so typical of the Yorkshire Dales – a place of contrasts and discoveries, of history and legend.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
The Feathers
The Feathers enjoys a prominent position overlooking the bustling town square in the picturesque market town of Helmsley. The bar and lounge areas are full of character and real fires g...
Ivy Cottage
Ivy Cottage is a fully furnished Yorkshire stone cottage, in Helmsley in the North York Moors, 5 minutes’ walk from the town centre. It sleeps 5 and comprises lounge, dining- room, thre...
5 Elmslac Road
Ivy Cottage is a fully furnished Yorkshire stone cottage, in Helmsley in the North York Moors, 5 minutes’ walk from the town centre. It sleeps 5 and comprises lounge, dining- room, thre...
Holly-Garth
Holly-Garth is an individual and superbly equipped holiday cottage near the centre of Helmsley, on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Holly-Garth sleeps eight in four first floor be...
Holly-Garth
Holly-Garth is an individual and superbly equipped holiday cottage near the centre of Helmsley, on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Holly-Garth sleeps eight in four first floor be...
Tykes Cottage
Superbly equipped modern Mews cottage, set in a quiet location, just a short stroll from the Marketplace in Helmsley with all its interesting shops, cafes, pubs and bistros. Walks from ...
Tykes Cottage
Superbly equipped modern Mews cottage, set in a quiet location, just a short stroll from the Marketplace in Helmsley with all its interesting shops, cafes, pubs and bistros. Walks from ...
Refectory Lodge
Refectory Cottage s a two-bedroom holiday cottage that comfortably sleeps four people. The cottage is sat within the grounds of Rievaulx Abbey amidst the rolling North Yorkshire country...
