Helmsley Castle, Helmsley, North Yorkshire
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). A stone castle was built by Robert de Roos some time between 1186 and 1227. This castle was strengthened in the 13th and 14th centuries. In the 1560s Edward Manners, 3rd Earl of Rutland, built a house in part of the west tower. This survives largely unaltered today. In November 1644 following a 3 month siege the castle surrendered to the Parliamentary commander Sir Thomas Fairfax. It was then deliberately damaged to prevent it being used again. This site is now in the care of English Heritage (2010).
