Located in the picturesque Rye Valley, Duncombe Park is one of Yorkshire's most stunning country houses and estates. As part of the larger Helmsley estate, it is the ancestral residence of the Earls of Feversham, transformed from a feudal stronghold into one of England's most remarkable 18th-century landscapes.
Early History of the Helmsley Estate.
Walter d'Espec: Lord of Helmsley
The Helmsley Estate, with a history dating back to the 1066 Norman invasion of England, originally belonged to Robert, Count of Mortain, King William’s half-brother. Mortain, who held vast estates in Yorkshire and other regions of England, was a loyal ally of the king. However, around 1120, Helmsley and its surrounding lands were granted to Walter Espec, a prominent English baron. While it’s uncertain if any fortifications existed at Helmsley before Espec’s time, he is credited with constructing Helmsley Castle in the early 12th century, which became the estate’s central point.
Notably, Walter Espec was also the founder and patron of Rievaulx Abbey. He provided the land, resources, and protection necessary for the Cistercians to establish themselves in northern England. His deep religious convictions and the absence of heirs made the abbey a significant part of his spiritual and familial legacy.
After Espec’s death in 1154, the estate passed through his sister Adelina to her husband, Peter de Ros. The de Ros family, influential feudal lords, maintained the estate for nearly 300 years. They are credited with rebuilding Helmsley Castle in stone from the late 12th century and are largely responsible for the structures we see today.
Tudor and Stuart periods.
Upon Edmund de Ros’s death in 1508, the Helmsley Estate passed to his nephew, Sir George Manners. Over the next century, the Manners family significantly enhanced the estate’s wealth and prestige and modified the aging medieval castle into a comfortable Tudor residence. Notably, the estate’s expansion was substantial following the dissolution of the monasteries. This was largely due to Thomas Manners, the 1st Duke of Rutland, acquiring lands formerly belonging to Rievaulx Abbey in 1536. A favourite of King Henry VIII, Thomas retained access to the Abbey’s forge and transformed the site into a thriving ironworks.
In 1632, the estate underwent a new chapter when it was passed to George Villiers, the 1st Duke of Buckingham. Through his marriage to Katherine Manners, the Rutland heiress, the estate effectively became part of the Villiers family while retaining its connection to the Manners lineage. However, during the English Civil War, Helmsley Castle was besieged by Parliamentarian forces. Consequently, the castle was partially slighted, with the estate being granted to Sir Thomas Fairfax. Nevertheless, this ownership was short-lived as George Villiers, the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, regained his ancestral Helmsley estate upon marrying Fairfax’s daughter and heir, Mary, in 1657.
The Duncombe Family & Duncombe Park.
England's wealthiest commoner
The Helmsley Estate entered a new era in 1687 when George Villiers, the financially ruined and heavily indebted Duke of Buckingham, passed away. Since he had no legitimate heirs, the estate was put up for sale to pay off his debts.
Charles Duncombe, born in 1648, rose to prominence as one of the most successful financiers in late 17th-century England. He had served as a goldsmith banker in London and had become involved in government finance, accumulating an enormous wealth that earned him the title of ‘The richest commoner in England.’ In 1689, he purchased the 40,000-acre Helmsley Estate for £90,000. This was a significant sum at the time, reflecting both the estate’s vast size and its historical importance. The purchase by Charles Duncombe not only prevented the estate from further decline but also paved the way for its transformation into one of Yorkshire’s most prominent Georgian estates.
Duncombe Park: Seat of the Earls Feversham.
Although Charles Duncombe occasionally stayed at Helmsley Castle, he probably regarded it as a long-term investment rather than a place for personal growth or residence. Unmarried and childless, Duncombe bequeathed his wealth and estate to his nephew Thomas Brown upon his death in 1711. Shortly after adopting the surname Duncombe, Thomas shifted his focus from the dilapidated castle to the construction of Duncombe Park, a grand Baroque-style mansion that became the family’s principal residence.
Constructed between 1713 and 1730, Duncombe Park was designed by Yorkshire-based architect William Wakefield. It’s likely that the dramatist John Vanbrugh also contributed to the design, infusing it with a dramatic flair. The overall design harmonises the theatricality of Baroque design with the symmetry and constraints of Palladianism. This transitional design ethos is evident in the balanced arrangement of the central block and wings, as well as the meticulously crafted details in the deep cornices and bold stonework. The grand projecting portico supported by Corinthian columns, set within the east-facing façade, perfectly completes the design.
A landmark in the development of the English natural style.
Thomas, not satisfied with merely constructing a grand house to display his wealth and status, was equally passionate about developing his grounds. He hired Charles Bridgeman, a renowned landscape architect of the era, to create a spectacular landscape that would harmonise with the Baroque grandeur of the house. Bridgeman’s designs featured geometric flowerbeds, symmetrical avenues, and winding terraces designed to offer sweeping views over the River Rye Valley. Bridgeman also introduced the first-ever ha-ha at Duncombe Park, which has been called a landmark in the development of the English natural style (Jellicoe et al., 1986).
Two of the park’s most striking features are its classical temples, both of which were completed around 1730. The smaller Ionic temple, attributed to John Vanbrugh, serves as a garden folly and provides breathtaking views of the valley. On the other side of the terrace stands the larger Doric Temple, attributed to Sir Thomas Robinson.
Rievaulx Terrace: One of England's finest 18th century landscapes
Duncombe Park was already on its way to becoming one of Yorkshire’s most prominent Georgian estates by the time Thomas Duncombe passed away in 1746. Upon inheriting the estate, his son, Thomas Duncombe II, embarked on a new phase of development, eager to leave his mark on the park. Like many young 18th-century gentlemen, Thomas Duncombe II participated in a cultural ‘Grand tour’ of Western Europe. Upon returning home in 1747, Thomas began transforming the ridge overlooking Rievaulx Abbey into a landscaped pleasure ground, influenced by the emerging Picturesque Movement. He meticulously designed the terrace as a half-mile-long grassy promenade that followed the natural contours of the ridge. The terrace was carefully laid out to provide breathtaking, framed views of the Rievaulx Abbey ruins nestled in the valley below.
Duncombe, a patron of the arts, commissioned two classical temples, one at each end of the terrace, from the renowned architect Thomas Robinson. The Tuscan Temple at the southern end draws inspiration from The Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome, and bears a striking resemblance to the temple at Duncombe Park. On the northern end stands the larger Ionic Temple, inspired by the Temple of Fortuna Virilis in Rome. This temple boasts a lavish interior and served as the Duncombe family’s dining and social gathering place. Guests would stroll leisurely along the terrace before entering the temple’s interior and being awestruck by the intricately painted ceiling. It must have been an unforgettable experience.
Thomas Duncombe II, not only responsible for the new terrace at Rievaulx, but also for modernising Duncombe Park, brought in the renowned landscape gardener, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Brown gradually redesigned the grounds, transforming the formal gardens into a more naturalistic landscape. He softened the structured, formal designs of Charles Bridgeman, replacing them with sweeping lawns, clumps of trees, and serpentine paths.
The Earls Feversham.
Charles Duncombe II, upon his passing in 1829, was succeeded by his son, Charles Duncombe. Charles was elevated to the peerage as Baron Feversham of Duncombe Park. However, his son William Duncombe further propelled the family’s advancement by being created Earl of Feversham in 1868, a testament to their continued rise in the aristocratic ranks. Under the leadership of Charles and William, Duncombe Park underwent Victorian modernisations carried out by the renowned architect Sir John Barry. This included the addition of two new pavilions.
Duncombe Park In Recent Times.
Fire and decline
By the late 1800s, the Duncombe family, like many landed estates, grappled with financial pressures. Changes in agriculture, rising taxation, and the costs of maintaining extensive properties took a toll. However, their troubles were far from over. In 1879, a devastating fire engulfed the house, largely destroying its interiors and many priceless treasures. Architect William Young meticulously rebuilt the house, largely adhering to the original plans. However, this project faced a significant delay until around 1895 due to the sudden death of the Feversham heir. Consequently, the estate passed into the hands of the 1st Earl’s two-year-old grandson, who tragically lost his life at the Battle of the Somme in 1916. By this time, the estate was in a state of decline, and this decline in fortunes led to the Duncombe family’s decision to vacate their ancestral seat.
Ancient monuments and tourism
With both Helmsley Castle and Rievaulx Abbey being designated as scheduled ancient monuments around 1920, the state took them under its guardianship. Shortly after, the house was leased to a girls’ boarding school, which occupied the site from 1925. These developments coincided with a shift in the Duncombe family’s focus, as they turned their attention to generating income from the estate through tourism and events. In 1972, the Terrace at Rievaulx, along with its temples, was acquired by the National Trust. Although the Earldom became extinct upon the death of the third Earl in 1963, the Feversham Baronetcy continued to exist. Following the girls’ school’s departure from Duncombe Park in 1985, a new era began when the 4th Baron Feversham returned to his ancestral home and embarked on a restoration project to restore it to its former glory.
Helmsley and Duncombe Park today
Today, the Helmsley Estate in North Yorkshire stands as a vibrant hub of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural activities. Spanning approximately 12,000 acres, the estate encompasses woodlands, parklands, and mixed farming areas. At its heart lies Duncombe Park, spanning around 450 acres and boasting the National Centre of Birds of Prey. Remarkably, the house continues to serve as the Duncombe family seat and is still occupied by them to this day. While not typically open to visitors, the house occasionally hosts events such as weddings and corporate gatherings. The grounds, gardens, and parklands are accessible throughout the year and are simply breathtaking. Visitors interested in exploring Helmsley Castle and the awe-inspiring ruins of Rievaulx Abbey are fortunate, as these are now managed by English Heritage. Rievaulx Terrace also offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience, managed by the National Trust. The bird sanctuary is an absolute must-see, housing a record-breaking collection of rare birds and providing spectacular flying demonstrations throughout the day. Naturally, the picturesque market town of Helmsley adds its own charm and serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
Get involved
Duncombe Park and the Helmsley estate’s enduring presence today stands as a testament to the forward-thinking mindset of the Duncombe Family, the collaborative partnerships involved, and the tireless efforts behind the scenes. Naturally, tourism plays a significant role in this endeavour, and the concentration of attractions within such a compact area contributes to an exceptional visitor experience. Whether you seek family-friendly activities, historical insights to unravel your next narrative, or simply a peaceful escape, I strongly encourage you to explore the Helmsley estate and immerse yourself in its charm.
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