Helmsley Castle in the North Yorkshire Moors is simply breath taking and most certainly worth a visit. But, what about its ghosts?
The Ghosts of Helmsley Castle
The ghost of a starving soldier dating back to the time of the English Civil War, is regularly seen. In addition, there are accounts of people witnessing the ghost of a green lady who regularly walks through the grounds. Her long green dress floats eerily behind her. Unfortunately no one seems to know who she is so let’s hope that one day we will find out.
There have also been accounts of small pixie like creatures, but my favourite piece of research doesn’t involve ghosts.
Do you remember your nursery rhymes and more importantly, Georgie Porgie?
Georgie Porgie Pudding and Pie
Georgie Porgie pudding and pie
nursery rhyme
Kissed the girls and made them cry
When the boys came out to play
Georgie Porgie ran away
George Villiers who is the first Duke of Buckingham, has a connection with Helmsley Castle. In 1620, he marries Lady Katherine Manners whose family owns Helmsley castle. More importantly, he may be the real Georgie Porgie who features in the well known nursery rhyme. Ref: https://allnurseryrhymes.com/georgie-porgie/
George (1592 – 1628) was very controversial and is the lover of King James I that he used to his advantage.
He was also very much a play boy type figure who most certainly liked to go both ways. Enjoying numerous affairs with young ladies of the court, his affairs began causing a lot of resentment. In addition, he was well known for forcing his advances on women while managing to avoid confrontation with the men. Hence the lines, ‘kissed the girls and made them cry’ and ‘when the boys came out to play‘.
Due to his relationship with King James I, George was pretty much protected. This nursery rhyme ridicules George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham and King James I relationship that was open. The king is quoted as saying..
“You may be sure that I love the Duke of Buckingham more than I love anyone else and I wish not to have that thought to be a defect“. Ref: Neatoramahttps://www.neatorama.com/2011/08/03/who-was-the-real-georgie-porgie/