We moved to Helmsley in 1989 and it was probably the best move we ever made. But enough of us what about the Town?
Well, Helmsley derived its name from ”a woodland clearing of a man called Helm” and is first recorded in 1086 as Elmslac. The history of Helmsley is best told by its surrounding architecture. Castles, Abbeys, Churches, a Mansion, Town Hall and Coaching Inns, all have their part to play in revealing the history of this picturesque Market (Friday) Town.
Over 40,000 acres of Yorkshire was given to the French Baron Walter l’Espec, who fought alongside William the Conqueror, as a reward for his services during William’s conquering reign. l’Espec decided to build his Castle in Helmsley, the ruins of which are still visible today, and it was l’Espec who invited the Cistercian monks to build a settlement on hisland and after some investigation of suitable sites Rievaulx Abbey was born. A classic example of Gothic architecture, even in its now ruined state, it has inspired a host of artists including Turner.
Monks from Rievaulx left this settlement and in 1177 Byland Abbey was established which was much larger and eventually much more important than Rievaulx. The 17th century witnessed the surrender of Helmsley Castle after a three month siege by the Parliamentary forces. Using the then new ‘dynamite’ the Castle was nearly all destroyed. However, it remains one of the finest examples of the double moat defensive earthworks around any castle to this day.
The 18th century brought a rather grander scale to things and Castle Howard and Duncombe Park in Helmsley were built. Restored in the late 1980’s by the late Lord Feversham with help from Lady Feversham Duncombe Park is renowned for its landscape gardens and its very old hardwood trees of which there are very few left in the whole of Europe (you ask Ted Green!). It also lays claim to having the tallest tree in Great Britain. All can be revealed when you visit.
Not that this unique Town remains stuck in a historic time warp, whilst cobbles streets and mellow stone from long ago set the scene, today individually owned shops mix with specialist suppliers to provide for you the very best that North Yorkshire has to offer.
More recently Helmsley is establishing itself as a foodie hotspot’. The Michelin starred Star Inn in Harome just three miles way, two very successful ‘delis’ the Hotel of the Year, the Feversham Arms, the Hare Inn at Scawton, Gepettos a small Italian Restaurant run by Dino (now granted honorary Yorkshire-man status) provide excellent food and service. You are invited to try them all when you visit.
The southern boundary of The North Yorkshire Moors National Park, over 550 square miles of natural beauty, lies in Helmsley, as do the start and finish of the magnificent Cleveland, Ebor and Inn Ways, three popular long distance walks that extend to you the serious and not so serious walker a spectacular introduction to this unique area.
With the recent changes in Tourism the National Park are taking a more pro-active role in visitor welfare and have linked this to a ‘sustainable tourism project’ which promotes all that’s best in the Park in a reusable way and we are very happy to be working with the Park and playing our part, however small, in this important local initiative.
Helmsley is in the District of Ryedale one of the most sparsely populated areas of any local authority in England today. So if you are seeking to join the masses and fight your way through crowded streets to enter ‘High Street’ stores you will be disappointed. If alternately you are seeking some quiet relaxation, perhaps some time to walk and think, visit some historic settlements, or purchase a piece of Yorkshire at the Mouseman , your decision to stay in Ryedale at the Carlton Lodge, probably the best bed and breakfast in Town, is well made.
North Yorkshire is a huge area stretching almost from west to coast to east coast. Within its boundaries lie two national Parks the Moors and the Dales, and an unimaginable amount of spectacular rolling countryside. It is also home to many and varied heritage sites ranging from religious monuments like Fountains Abbey to grand stately houses like
Castle Howard to indeed the smallest stately home in Britain today. It also plays host to very many television and film crews some of which have stayed at the best bed and breakfast in Helmsley! So the next time you watch an episode of ‘Heartbeat’ or go to see the latest ‘Harry Potter’ film or watch either version of Brideshead Revisited you can think of the Carlton Lodge for your next short break.