The castle was built on a slightly rocky eminence between 1186 and 1227 by Robert de Roos. There were originally two moats surrounding a rectangular complex of a D-shaped keep and outer walls.
The only buildings still in good repair today are the west tower and the later mansion build by Edward Manners, the 3rd Earl of Rutland who owned the site from 1563 to 1587.
The castle only changed hand once in its history when it was bought by Sir Charles Duncombe in 1689.
By this time the castle was mostly ruined having been besieged in 1644 by Parliamentary forces for three months. Once the castle was surrendered the fortifications including the eastern half of the keep were demolished.
Helmsley Castle Opening Times2008: 21 Mar-Sept: 10:00-18:00 Mon-Sun; Oct: 10:00-17:00 Mon-Sun; Nov-28 Feb: 10:00-16:00 Mon & Thur-Sun; Mar: 10:00-17:00 Mon-Sun. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan.
Tel: 01439 770442 Helmsley Castle Website
