Cliffords Tower: (North Yorkshire) ~ Standing high on its mound, Clifford's Tower is one of the few vestiges of the pair of castles built by William the Conqueror in the city of York. William needed to establish his control in the North and York's castles were the stepping stones of the Normans to terrorize the northern counties. York was often the seat of government in the 13th and 14th centuries, so the castle would have been magnificently appointed. Today, the tower stands as a symbol of the might of the medieval English Kings.

Built in 1069 - 70 on a mound of gravel, clay, stone and timber to overcome the problems of waterlogged land. The original wooden keep was burnt down in 1190, when members of the Jewish community were sheltering there from a violent mob. The present tower, a rare design of interlocking circles, was started in the mid 13th century by Henry III, but not completed until the early 14th century.

It is thought to take its name from Roger Clifford, the Lancasterian leader defeated in 1322 at Boroughbridge, who was hung in chains from the keep. The tower survived intact until the civil war, and since has remained a shell of its former self.

Facilities Available

Open times.
1st April - 30th September: daily. 10am - 6pm.
1st October - 30th October: daily. 10am - 6pm.
24th - 26th Dec and 1st Jan Closed

Directions: ~

• Road Access In Tower St, York (OS Map 105; ref SE 605515)
  Local Tourist Information York (01904 621756 or 01904 620557)
• Train Access 1 mile from York station
• Bus Access From surrounding areas
• Telephone 01904 646940

Where can I stay?
Accommodation in York.

Find a Hotel near Helmsley or Youth Hostels YHA Youth Hostels in the area York.

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