Clifford's Tower, York

4 more images

The main advantage to a visit to Cliffords Tower must be the opportunity to see the amazing views across York. The views from here are much better than from York Minster's tower, possibly because the climb is less exhausting and you can look AT York Minster across the city.

The Tower is all that is left of York Castle and it is only a small site which won't take long to visit but as it is so close to many other attractions it is worth the effort.

Cost is only £3.50 and free to English Heritage members and if you have got the Yorkshire Pass.

There isn't much in the way of displays but the information which is given and the guide book are of the usual excellent quality that English Heritage produce.

4 more images

This clover-shaped tower is the last remnant of William the Conqueror’s medieval castle. The original structure built by the Norman King was a wooden one, the present stone tower was constructed in the times of Henry II. The name comes from Lord Robert Clifoord, who led a rebellion against the King in 1322 and was hanged in the tower. Another, more tragic event, happened already in 1190. When the jews of the city were persecuted, the wanted so seek protection in the tower. The mob instead burned the tower and killed hundreds of people. Today, Clifford’s tower is less scary. Indeed, it has one of the most magnificant views to enjoy over York.

There's an entry fee to visit the tower (Around 3 pounds, I am not able to remember). From inside, you'll have a wonderful view over the old town. A stroll through the rooms of the tower is a nice past-time. If you are to cheap to pay the entry fee, you can climb the stairs and have at least a view to the southeast. To climb on the motte itself is a little too steep and forbidden.

4 more images

Clifford's Tower is the only part left of the Castle at York, it was originally built by William the Conqueror in order to subdue the rebelias north. originally it was built of wood and has been burnt to the ground twice in it's life, the first time was when the Jewish population of York took refuge there after a missunderstanding by the local population and the Jews were blamed for the hardships of the local peopl;e, they sheltered in the tower and it was set alight the oones that escaped the flames were killed by the local people. it was again rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century.
The towe's name comes from one grisly incident in its long history, it is named after Roger de Clifford who was executed for treason against Edward II and was hanged wrapped in chains from the towers walls.

Adults £3.50
Concessions £3.00
Children £1.80
Family £8.80
English Heritage Members Free

Thu 1 Apr 2010 - Thu 30 Sep 2010 Mon - Sun 10:00 to 18:00
Fri 1 - Sun 31 Oct 2010 Mon - Sun 10:00 to 17:00
Mon 1 Nov 2010 - Thu 31 Mar 2011 Mon - Sun 10:00 to 16:00

Christmas Day, Boxing Day closed

New Year's Day closed
Notes Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan

2 more images

The round Clifford Tower on the mound and accessed by steep steps is a - must see - on any visit to York.

The site of Cliffords Tower was used by the Romans as a cemetery.

Standing on its mound the 11th century tower is the last remaining part of York Castle.

In 1068 William the Conquerer built a mound, and the round tower of wood. The tower was burned in 1190.

Later in the 13th Century it was rebuilt in stone by Henry ll.

The tower is known as Cliffords Tower because in 1322 Edward ll had the rebel Lord Robert Clifford hanged in chains from the walls.

It was the central Keep of the Castle.

There were more buildings surrounded by great walls and then a moat around the whole fortress.

.

4 more images

The tower is all that remains of York Castle. A wooden castle was built on the site in 1086 under the rule of William the Conqueror. The castle was then twice burnt down. The second time in 1190 was when a mob of citizens rioted against the Jewish population of York. The Jews took refuge in the castle, many committing suicide rather than be captured. The castle was set on fire killing many more, the survivors of this were then slaughtered by the mob.

After another wooden castle blew down, it was replaced by a stone one in 1270, built on the orders of Henry III. The tower gained its name in 1322, Roger de Clifford was executed here for treason against Edward II.

Today the castle gives visitors an insight into York's history & panoramic views of the city from atop its walls.

The castle is open every day except Dec 24th to Dec 26th & 1st January. The current price for an adult is £3.50.

A wooden keep stood on this site in 1190 when it was burnt down - it had stood there since 1068. The Jewish community had taken refuge in the tower and Yorks citizens laid them to siege here - many of the people in the tower fearing the crowds committed suicide and set fire to the wooden tower. The survivors were massacred by the crowds. The Kings Chancellor made the people of York pay for this atrocity and the city leaders were all dismissed from their posts although no citizens were brought to justice.
The tower you see today was built in the latter half of the thirteenth century an it was rebuilt in stone. Built to a quatrefoil plan there is no other example in England. It became Cliifords Tower when it was named after Roger de Clifford who was hanged here in 1322.
It is a steep climb up to the tower - beware of leg cramps that many people get when climbing up. Of course not possible for disabled people.

1 more image

Clifford's Tower is the major remain of the York Castle. Located at the top of a greeny hill, it was built by William the Conqueror, the first Norman King of England, in order to subdue rebels against Norman rule of England in the land's northern regions. The tower is known as Clifford's Tower after Roger de Clifford, who was hanged there for treason in the 14th century. One can visit its interior and from the top of the tower good panoramic views of York can be enjoyed.

Clifford's Tower, a quatrefoil keep of a fortress, was the site of a massacre in 1190. Some citizens in debt with Jewish moneylenders promoted an anti-Semitic wave. The Jewish community of York sought protection in the tower and they were besieged. Many Jews took their own lives rather than face a violent mob.