Name: Clifford's Tower, York
Address: Tower Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9SA
Telephone: 01904 646940

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Clifford's Tower, York

Clifford's Tower is currently closed whilst we undertake vital conservation works to protect the tower and make improvements for visitors. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on the project.

Conservation project

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Historic panoramic views

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Address

Tower Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9SA

Conservation project

Clifford’s Tower is currently closed to the public whilst we undertake a major project to protect its historic fabric and improve the experience of visitors.

We want to do justice to both the history and the experience of visiting one of York's most important historic sites. We also want to conserve and repair the tower to protect it for generations to come.

Whilst the tower remains closed to the public you can follow the latest developments on our project page.

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Things to See and Do

Clifford's Tower Timeline

1068-9York's Castles

William the Conqueror builds two motte-and-bailey castles in York, one of them where Clifford's Tower now stands.

Find out more about the history of York's castles and Clifford's Tower

1069Royal Vengeance

Both castles are burnt by Danish invaders, supported by the people of York. William rebuilds the castles and as punishment lays waste to wide areas of northern England.

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

Nearby Places
Similar Places

York Cold War Bunker
1.52 miles from Clifford's Tower, York
Kirkham Priory
12.02 miles from Clifford's Tower, York
Steeton Hall Gateway
14.46 miles from Clifford's Tower, York

Steeton Hall Gateway
14.46 miles from Clifford's Tower, York
Wharram Percy Deserted Medieval Village
17.65 miles from Clifford's Tower, York
Rievaulx Abbey
20.84 miles from Clifford's Tower, York

Nearby Places
- York Cold War Bunker
  1.52 miles from Clifford's Tower, York
- Kirkham Priory
  12.02 miles from Clifford's Tower, York
- Steeton Hall Gateway
  14.46 miles from Clifford's Tower, York
Similar Places
- Steeton Hall Gateway
  14.46 miles from Clifford's Tower, York
- Wharram Percy Deserted Medieval Village
  17.65 miles from Clifford's Tower, York
- Rievaulx Abbey
  20.84 miles from Clifford's Tower, York

Gallery for Clifford's Tower

English Heritage

Conservation project

Historic panoramic views

Conservation project