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Clifford's Tower, York

The original castle on the site of Clifford's Tower was Norman, begun in 1068 as part of William the Conqueror's effort to bring northern England under his control. As was usual at the time an enormous mound of earth was constructed on top of which a wooden fortification was built, known as a motte. The approach to steps at the mound's base was also fortified with an enclosure known as a bailey. This first castle was burnt down in a rebellion in 1069, but was again rebuilt. The second castle was destroyed in 1190, during anti-Jewish rioting. This unrest took place during the dangerous period when one king replaced another. Henry II had died and was succeeded by Richard the Lionheart. During and just after the succession there were a number of anti Jewish riots around the country, with bigoted factions thinking that now the protective influence of Henry II had gone they were free to do as they wished. City authorities in York struggled to maintain control, but 150 Jews fearing for their safety took refuge in Clifford's Tower. Convinced they were going to be overwhelmed, they decided to burn the castle down around them rather than risk capture.

 

 

 

 

Model of an earlier incarnation of Clifford's Tower

The stone keep that survives today was built on the orders of Henry III in the second half of the thirteenth century. It consists of an unusual design for an English castle, with staircases built into the thickness of the walls. Henry III employed master mason Henry of Reyns, who went on to complete Henry's famous rebuilding of Westminster Abbey. As is usual in the design of castles and churches, the same people tended to build them both, and design characteristics were shared. The search for physical and spiritual security led to similar looking buildings. Naturally Clifford's Tower contained a chapel, built over the main entrance. It was into the chapel that the portcullis guarding the gate was pulled to open the main entrance. This arrangement was also used in other thirteenth century castles such as Chepstow, Harlech and Caernarvon and provides a further link between the physical and spiritual protection sought in these buildings.

By the sixteenth century the castle was in ruins. It was rebuilt during the seventeenth century to defend York during the English Civil War, but was then heavily damaged by fire caused following a ceremonial gun salute. Since 1911 the castle has been looked after by the Ministry of Works, and then by English Heritage.

 

 

Opening Times: opening hours for English Heritage properties can be complex. Please use contact details below.

Address: Clifford's Tower, Tower Street, York YO1 9SA

Directions: Clifford's Tower is in the middle of York in Tower Street. There is a pay and display car park just behind the castle, and a number of others on the inner ring road. Click here for an interactive map centred on Clifford's Tower.

Access: The only access to the tower is via fifty five steps. This is not a suitable visit for those with mobility problems.

Contact:

telephone: 01904 646940

web site: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/cliffords-tower-york/