ftELMSLEY. 407 



noble family of Ross ; and from them descended to 

 the earls of Rutland, and to the dukes of Bucking- 

 ham ; and from them to the present illustrious pro- 

 prietor ; as will be afterwards shewn. 



The castle, which was a place of uncommon 

 strength, was built about the year 1200, by Fursan 

 de Ross ; who by his rebellion forfeited his estates, 

 in the reign of Richard I. ; But was taken into favour, 

 and had full possession of Helmsley, and other man- 

 ors in the 1 of king John ; and died in the year 1227. 



The remains of this castle are grand and imposing, 

 shewing what the place was by what it is at 

 present ; and inspiring feelings of astonishment and 

 sentiments of respect in every reflective mind, when 

 these ruins are beheld. 



The grand entrance on the south has been very 

 strong : without the outer wall is a ditch, which has 

 added to the strength of the fortification ; then the 

 gate-way leading into the first court or ballium, 

 which gate-way measures 20 feet in thickness : after 

 that a second gate-way, leading to the inner court, 

 where were the lodgings, &c. ; and then the keep 95 

 feet high ; under which was the dungeon ; and these 

 walls were defended by a number of towers, which 

 were strong and magnificent. The walls of this 

 castle were extremely well built, which is proved by 

 the vast masses of them which were thrown down, 

 and yet hang together with amazing firmness. Be- 

 sides the south gate, the remains of two others are 

 yet visible, one on the north and another on the 

 west ; and it is said that the waters of the Rye were 

 conducted through the ditches which surround thig 

 building. 



