Welcome to

Helmsley Archaeological and Historical Society

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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.

Committee Members 2024-25

 

Chair: Pat Sutor

Secretary: Kay Jones

Treasurer: Veronica Dunne

Membership secretary: Ian Bartlett

Talks Secretary: Susan Harrison

Visits secretary: Richard Sharpe

Librarian: Peter French

Ryedale Historian Editor: Position vacant

Committee member: Tricia Mainprize

Committee Member: Mike Hann

Membership Form

Latest News

The Medieval Clothier, Making and Marketing Cloth in Yorkshire

Dr John Lee (Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of York) will talk on The medieval Clothier, making and marketing cloth in Yorkshire

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Prehistoric Moorsholm

Prehistoric Moorsholm – a Community Archaeology project in the North York Moors, by Ben Swain on Friday 19th April at 7.30pm, in the Committee Room at the NYMPA offices, Helmsley.

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The Mysterious Lady Lumley by John Smith

Our next talk is The mysterious Lady Lumley by John Smith on Friday 15th March 7.30pm at the North York Moors Park Office, Committee Room. YO62 5BP. All welcome.

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The Battle of Byland

Our next talk is The Battle of Byland, by Harry Pearson on 16th February at the North Yorkshire Moors Park Authority offices (Committee Room) at 7.30 and all are welcome.

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