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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Around a century ago fragments of window glass were excavated from Rievaulx Abbey. This glass had been dumped during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the mid-16th century. Some of this glass, alongside window glass from six other monastic sites in England, has been used in a PhD study to examine the nature of glazing in a monastic setting in medieval England. The talk will explain the results of investigations into both stylistic imagery and chemical analysis, indicating the dates and provenance of the glass, and discuss the Rievaulx Abbey window glass within the wider framework of medieval glass production and consumption.  

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Peopling Helmsley Castle by Dr Will Wyeth

This talk outlines a new project to explore lesser-told stories of the lives of many ordinary people connected to the history of Helmsley Castle and its local area.

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The History of Duncombe Park Estate, Helmsley 

Join us for an engaging evening with the Helmsley Archaeological & Historical Society as we delve into the History of Duncombe Park Estate, Helmsley. This talk is by the current owner of Duncombe Park, The Hon. Jake Duncombe.

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RATTUS: Rats and the Archaeology of Trade, Urbanism, and Disease in Past European Societies

Join us for an engaging evening with the Helmsley Archaeological & Historical Society as we delve into RATTUS: Rats and the Archaeology of Trade, Urbanism, and Disease in Past European Societies.

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