Helmsley Castle

The origins of Helmsley Castle date back to 1120, when Walter l'Espec had a first wooden castle built. As Walter remained childless, the castle passed to his sister Adelina, who was married to Peter de Roos, after his death in 1154. In 1186, Robert de Ros, Adelina's grandson, began converting the complex into stone. He had the two main towers, the round corner towers, and the main gate on the south side built. His son William, who inhabited the castle from 1227 to 1258, only added a chapel in the castle courtyard. Robert's grandson, also named Robert, inherited the castle in 1258 and was Lord of Helmsley until 1285. He raised the east tower, built a new hall and kitchen, and strengthened the fortifications. He also divided the castle into northern and southern sections with a wall, reserving the southern part for the lord's family. The de Roos family owned the castle until 1478, when Edmund de Roos sold it to Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later Richard III. After Richard's death, the castle was returned to Edmund de Roos.