After we had completed our tour of Rievaulx Abbey, we took a ten minute Moorsbus ride into Helmsley, where a short walk brought us to Helmsley Castle. I have shared shots of the castle keep recently, with the emphasis on the damaged side of the keep ( https://365project.org/fishers/365/2021-07-06 ), but today, from within the castle grounds you can see a much better impression of how impressive this structure would once have looked.
As I explained with the earlier photos, this tower was left half demolished as a result of the English civil war. During the civil war, the castle was besieged by Parliamentary forces led by Sir Thomas Fairfax in 1644. Sir Jordan Crosland held it for the king for three months before surrendering. Parliament ordered the castle to be slighted (destroyed) and much of the walls, gates and part of this tower were destroyed. Much of the stone of the demolished tower remains can be found in a defensive ditch at the far side of the tower.
Sorry for another short break in our project, but it was my mums funeral yesterday, so we have been staying in her house for a couple of nights. The service was beautiful, and it was good to see several cousins who i had lost touch with. It turns out that one cousin who I had not seen for many years lives quite close to our daughter Lucy in south-west London. What a small world!
A lovely castle. As much as funerals are sad occasions, they are also a nice family reunion and I’m pleased you met up with cousins and reconnected with them.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are all very much appreciated.
Helmsley castle is a fascinating place to visit. I was shocked to realise that this was my first visit to the castle since 2014. I don't know why it has taken me so long to visit again.
I won't be able to comment on your photos until later, since we have family with us, but I'm looking forward to looking at your photos when I get chance.
fav
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are all very much appreciated.
Helmsley castle is a fascinating place to visit. I was shocked to realise that this was my first visit to the castle since 2014. I don't know why it has taken me so long to visit again.
I won't be able to comment on your photos until later, since we have family with us, but I'm looking forward to looking at your photos when I get chance.
Ian
Thank you both. It was interesting to visit this castle after a long break.
Ian