There is evidence to suggest that there has
been a park to the south of Helmsley since medieval times and
the existence today of ancient pollarded oak trees indicates
that it was a deer park. In the 18th century the Duncombes
almost certainly incorporated all or part of this older parkland
in their scheme to provide a suitable setting for their new
house.
Exotic
Residents
One
of the exotic residents that you may find at Duncombe
Park.
The 18th century park can be divided into three principal
areas: the lowlands, comprising the grass slopes up from Helmsley;
the river valley to the east and south of the mansion and the
rising ground beyond as far as the village of Sproxton (circa
400 acres); the Fallow Deer Park, situated on the plateau to
the west of the house (circa 300 acres) and the Red Deer Park,
situated to the south west of the Fallow Deer Park (circa 2,000
acres). There is no evidence to suggest that the Duncombes
carried out any later remodelling of the Park when Capability
Brown and Humphrey Repton were so active elsewhere.
The Estate continued to operate a weekly venison stall in Helmsley
Market up to the Second World War when, unfortunately, all the
deer were slaughtered. The deer walls and fences have now almost
disappeared. Perhaps with new interest being shown in venison
it may become possible to bring deer back in the future. Meanwhile,
there are many pleasant walks to enjoy in the Park.
