Helmsley Castle, Helmsley, North Yorkshire
A reconstrution drawing showing the original timber buildings of the castle in the early 12th century. The first earthworks are believed to have been built here by Walter l'Espec. He was the founder of the nearby Rievaulx Abbey. He held the site from 1120 to 1153. The massive earthen rampart between the deep ditches was probably originally topped by a wooden stockade (fence), shown here. These timber buildings were replaced by a stone castle, built by Robert de Roos some time between 1186 and 1227.
