Muriel Hamerton was the name of my grandmother on my mother’s side of the family. While going through her possessions after her death in 1976, my mother found a Hamerton family tree going back to 1170. That particular family tree focuses on the Hamerton lineage that claimed ownership to the lands in, and around Hellifield, a village and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England.
According to the family tree, Laurence Hamerton became joint lord over the Hellifield Peel manor house and estate sometime in the 1400’s. In 1440, Laurence was given license to built towers and crenellations onto the manor house in order to fortify the structure against Scottish raiding parties. Hamerton descendants maintained possession of Hellifield Peel until 1948, when Dorothy Hamerton sold the estate at auction. Hellifield Peel was later bought by Francis and Karen Shaw in 2004. Between 2004 and 2006, the Shaw’s completely and painstakingly rebuild the mansion, later turning it into a successful bed and breakfast which they ran until 2016.
Angela and I decided to take a train to Hellifield so that we could take a look at the town, and possibly get a glimpse of the manor house. When we arrived in Hellifield, we went to the local pub for a pint, and to see if we could get more info about the manor. When we told the barman that the manor was built by my descendants, he told us that the people who owned it were super friendly and would love to meet us. “Just go knock on their door and introduce yourselves,” he said. Leaving the pub, Angela and I agreed that was completely outside of our comfort zone … but we did it anyway!
After hesitantly knocking on the front door of the Hellifield Peel mansion, we were greeted by Karen Shaw. She enthusiastically invited us into the manor and showed us pictures of the two year renovation. She also shared their collection of books, histories and diaries pertaining to the Hamerton family and their relationship with the manor!! Angela and I were thoroughly blown away by the entire experience … the place was amazing, but the passion Karen Shaw showed for the mansion, and the incredible hospitality she showed to us, is what really made for a very special day! Here are a few pics of our day in Hellifield … enjoy!
After visiting Hellifield Peel, we decided to visit the cemetery in the neighboring village of Long Preston. Hellifield does not have its own cemetery, so most of its inhabitants are buried in Long Preston. After 20 minutes of wondering through the gravestones of the Long Preston cemetery, we came across the Hamerton family burial plot, which contained 3 generations of Hamertons’ from the 1700 – 1800’s.
Here’s a gallery of pics showing the Long Preston church, and the Hamerton burial plot …
Thanks so much for sharing! Muriel was my great-aunt; her sister Ruth was my grandmother. Judy & Tracy shared your trip to Hellifield with us. The post and photos are wonderful, and I’m pleased to share with our branch of the family. It’s great to see the careful restoration of the manor and beautiful countryside.
Hi Denise! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the post! It was so much fun doing the research of our families past … please do share it with anyone else you feel might be interested! Cheers – Chris
I too enjoyed the photo’s and your impression of the Hamerton Manor. I consider myself part of the family but am only and in-law. I first shared Hamerton life in 1948 when Don and I started our relationship. I grew up with the family and continue to feel that connection. Jan Leitch
I’m happy you enjoyed the post Jan! We recently visited the hometown and cemetery of my wife’s ancestors in Luxemborg, and that was equally special for me even though I am only an in-law too : ) If I uncover any more family history in the future, I’ll be sure to share!
Cheers – Chris