Welcome to

Helmsley Archaeological and Historical Society

HAHS Guided Tour of Beadlam Roman Villa

The Society began life as the Helmsley and Area Group of the Yorkshire Archaeological Society, and the inaugural meeting took place at the Scout Hall, Helmsley on 5th December 1950.

Our Story

Since 1950

“to gather together periodically for lectures and discussions on archaeological subjects, with special emphasis on local history”

Its purpose was ‘to gather together periodically for lectures and discussions on archaeological subjects, with special emphasis on local history’ and to collect and record data. The group flourished and a committed and enthusiastic membership, pre-eminent among them being Raymond Hayes, soon began the task of compiling ‘The History of Helmsley, Rievaulx and District’ which was published by Stonegate Press, York in 1963, edited by John McDonnell. Although long out of print, this volume remains an invaluable source of information about the town and its surroundings.

The first issue of the Society’s biennial publication, The Ryedale Historian was in 1965 providing a way for members and to publish the results of their archaeological and historical research. This and subsequent issues provide evidence of the wide range of interests of the Society’s Members, and activities in which they have been involved.

The AGM is held annually at the April meeting.

The Ryedale Historian

Committee Members 2026-27

Chair: Susan Harrison

Secretary: Kay Jones

Treasurer: Ian Bartlett

Membership secretary: Ian Bartlett

Talks Secretary: Susan Harrison

Visits secretary: Trisha Mainprize/Mike Hann

Librarian: Vacant

Ryedale Historian Editor: Blaise Viner

Ryedale Historian Asst. Editor: Adam Cook

 Committee member: Pat Sutor

Committee Member: 

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Latest News

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The History of Duncombe Park Estate, Helmsley

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Title of the Event RATTUS: Rats and the Archaeology of Trade, Urbanism, and Disease in Past European SocietiesOur next talk is 17th April, 7:30pm in the Committee Room at the North Yorkshire Moors...
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Potential improvements on the farm at New Leys, a Medieval grange associated with Rievaulx Abbey, offered us the rare opportunity to archaeologically examine part of the scheduled monument. The talk will present the findings from the excavations, which discovered something completely unexpected!

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Second World War Bombing Decoys

Second World War bombing decoys, with reference to Sneaton Moors, North Yorkshire

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