408 HELMSLEY. 



In the civil wars, in the reign of Charles I., in 

 1644, this castle after a severe conflict was taken by 

 the parliament forces, under the command of Sir 

 Thomas Fairfax ; who, during the siege, was wound- 

 ed in his shoulder. This castle was soon after dis- 

 mantled by order of parliament. 



Nothing can be more interesting in rural scenery 

 than the view which is presented from this castle of 

 the neighbouring country ; every thing combines to 

 gratify the lover of enchanting nature and retirement. 

 Nothing can be more lovely and romantic than the 

 scenery of which these ruins form so striking a fea- 

 ture ; shaded by majestic trees, whose foliage throws 

 an air of richness and majesty over the reverend pile. 

 The place still seems to glow with baronial grandeur 

 and strength ; and the distant country so fine and 

 rich, rises the imagination to ecstacy. 



Helmsley church is an ancient and venerable 

 structure, dedicated to All Saints : the living is a 

 vicarage in the gift of C. S. Duncombe, Esq., of 

 which the Rev. G. Dixon is the incumbent, and the 

 Rev. Mr. Simpson curate. This building is kept 

 in excellent repair, neat and clean. 



We are informed by Burton in his Monasticon, 

 p. 37, that Walter Espec gave the church and man- 

 or of Helmsley to Rievaulx, and a vicar was then 

 appointed to Helmsley ; and that Theodoric was 

 vicar 1129. This perhaps was soon after the erec- 

 tion of the fabric. He tells us also, p. 375, that 

 Walter Sexendale was instituted in 1320. 



The church consists of a chancel, transept, north 

 aisle, and nave. In the east window of the chancel 



