Clifford's Tower
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Overview
Still in its dominating position atop the grass-covered mound, Clifford’s Tower is a memorable landmark, all that’s left of York Castle. In 1190 it was the scene of one of the most bloody incidents in the city’s history: the Jewish population was rounded up and put into the castle, which was then burned to the ground. A second castle was quickly built on the site, which involved raising the mound – originally built in about 1070 from layers of clay and marl, gravel and stones, and timber – to its present height of about 60 feet. The new tower did not last long – it was blown down in a gale in 1228. Henry III ordered that a third tower should be built, and the stone quatrefoil-shaped keep seen today was erected on top of the mound. The castle was obsolete by the end of the 17th century – the rest of the site was rebuilt as a prison, and is now the Castle Museum.
Features
- Opening Times
- Opening Times: Open Apr-Sep, daily 10-6; Oct, daily 10-5
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
- Parking nearby
About the area
North Yorkshire, with its two National Parks and two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is England’s largest county and one of the most rural. This is prime walking country, from the heather-clad heights of the North York Moors to the limestone country that is so typical of the Yorkshire Dales – a place of contrasts and discoveries, of history and legend.
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