Saint Julian’s Park: a testament to the passage of time

A view across West Beck reveals the medieval Saint Julian’s Park, now known simply as Julian Park. Once a striking landscape feature, this park has transformed greatly over the centuries. Eight hundred years ago, visitors would have encountered a circular boundary enclosing the park, a segment of the so-called ‘Roman road’  crossing it, a grand lodge known as Saint Julian’s Castle, and a modest chapel. Today, only the park’s boundary remains.

The lodge, once a substantial structure owned by the influential de Mauley family, has completely vanished. It stood a hundred metres or so to the right (north-east) of the modern farm, seen right of centre in the photograph. Surrounded by a moat, its defensive capabilities are now a subject of speculation. The park’s primary function, whether as a deer park or cattle enclosure, remains uncertain. However, the presence of an elaborate boundary suggests a focus on containment, more akin to a deer park than a simple pasture.

Adding to the park’s mysterious character was the small chapel dedicated to Saint Julian, the patron saint of both hunters and, paradoxically, murderers. Its purpose, relationship to the lodge, and the reasons behind its dedication continue to baffle historians. The chapel stood below the lodge, nearer the beck, now covered by woodland.

Local folklore enriches Saint Julian’s Park with tales of intrigue, violence, and the supernatural, handed down through generations, imbuing the site with a sense of mystery. While these stories offer vivid narratives, their historical accuracy often remains dubious.

One such tale speaks of an evil tyrant named Julian de Mauley, who, while building the imposing lodge, cruelly determined to ‘wall up’ a young local maiden named Gyda of Goathland to bring ‘good luck’ to his new building. One year after she was walled up, Gyda’s spectral ghost appeared, haunting de Mauley until his paralysis and painful death ensued.

Despite the challenges of reconstructing the park’s past, the surviving remnants and enduring legends offer valuable insights into the region’s history and the lives of its former inhabitants. Saint Julian’s Park stands as a testament to the passage of time, a place where nature and human history intertwine to create a captivating enigma.

Source:

Laurence, Alistair, “Old Egton: A New History”. 2018. Chapter 10.