English Heritage

1190The Massacre of the Jews

The York Jewish community take refuge in the tower from a mob. Unable to escape, they commit mass suicide, and the wooden tower is set on fire. Survivors are killed.

1245-72Stone Tower

The present stone tower is built, to an unusual four-lobed design.

Read a description of Clifford's Tower

1537Robert Aske's Execution

After the northern Pilgrimage of Grace against Henry VIII, the rebel leader Robert Aske is hanged in chains, allegedly from the tower walls.

1590sDemolition Attempt

The tower's keeper begins to dismantle it to sell its materials. The aldermen of York stop him.

1644Defending York

Royalists garrison the tower in defence of York during the Civil War siege.

1684Destruction of the Tower

An explosion, possibly sabotage, destroys the interior and ends the tower’s military use.

18th CenturyLost to History

Much of York Castle's stonework is replaced, leaving little surviving from the medieval era apart from Clifford's Tower.

1820sYork Prison

A prison encompasses the whole castle area. A high wall is built round the base of the mound.

1935-PresentRestoration and Opening

The prison walls are demolished. Clifford's Tower again becomes visible and is opened to the public.

Learn more about the history of Clifford's Tower