Clifford’s Tower is located in the centre of York and dates back to the 11th century. It has been the site of many battles.
York City’s entire Jewish community was trapped in the tower by an angry mob in the year 1190, and rather than surrender to the troops and take a chance on their fate with the angry mob outside, they took their own lives rather than risk torture from the angry mob trying to get in the tower.
The group inside set fires in the tower and burned the wooden timber frame holding the tower up before committing suicide.
Clifford’s Tower name comes from Roger de Clifford, who was executed for treason against Edward II and then violently hanged in metal chains from the outside of the tower walls to show others not to cross Edward II or face a similar fate.
The tower is not a big place, but it is worth a visit if you are in York.
Recently, Clifford’s Tower has had some restoration work done and now has a roof, which allows you to walk on top of the tower and look all over York like they did in the 12th century.
There is also a hole in the centre of the roof, so you are able to look down into the centre of the tower.
