The large, late-medieval church of St Helen and the Holy Cross incorporates fragments of a much earlier 12th-century structure.
The rebuilding and expansion of the church in the 14th and 15th centuries to the current impressive structure reflect the church and the village’s long attachment to one of the richest and most well-connected families in medieval England, the Nevilles.
The star attraction to be seen is the tomb effigy reputed to be that of Edward of Middleham, Prince of Wales. The son of Richard III and Lady Anne Neville lies in the St Nicholas Chapel. The chapel also contains medieval stained glass featuring the “Sun in Splendour” badge of Edward IV. Edward of Middleham died aged 10 at Middleham Castle in 1484 while his mother and father were in residence at Nottingham Castle. On hearing the news of this, at Nottingham, you might have seen his father and mother in a state almost bordering on madness, by reason of their sudden grief.
Celebration Weekend
Saturday 1st July, 18:45 – 21:30
The Saturday event will include a bar, bbq and raffle, plus music from Nottingham’s Oldish Spice, Pete Thompson’s clarinet and sax accompanied by Andy Hunt’s backing group and local folk group The Drummers.
Sunday 2nd July, 14:30 – 17:30
On Sunday afternoon, visitors will be able to enjoy afternoon tea in the churchyard before Choral Evensong sung by the Helmsley Chamber Choir.
