Clifford's Tower, York

Clifford's Tower, York (must see)

Clifford's Tower is an excellent first stop when visiting York. The panoramic views from the top of the tower give visitors a spectacular overview of Old Minister, York, and the North York Views.

The tower is situated on a tall hill, perfect for providing defense to York. Clifford's Tower represents the most significant portion of the remains of York Castle.

William the Conqueror originally built a castle here between 1068 and 1069. From Clifford's Tower, visitors can also see the mound of the second castle William the Conqueror built.

This original tower was the site of a horrific massacre in 1190. A group of about 150 Jews sought protection in the tower. Unfortunately, trust broke down, and the Jews committed suicide and set the tower on fire rather than be slaughtered by Christians.

The tower was rebuilt almost immediately. Construction on the current stone tower was completed by the late 13th century.

Visitors can tour the tower and climb to the top. At the top of the tower, you can walk the open-air wall walk. Tower guards used to patrol the wall walk while watching out for enemy intruders. In addition to fabulous views of the city and countryside, the vantage point provides a look at the rest of the castle's layout. Visitors can also see the "Eye of York" buildings. These include the Female Prison, Debtor's Prison, and the Assize Courts.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in York. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Clifford's Tower on Map

Sight Name: Clifford's Tower
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in York, England

Create Your Own Walk in York

Create Your Own Walk in York

Creating your own self-guided walk in York is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
York's Old Town

York's Old Town

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The maze of historic streets – too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian – are packed with attractions fairly close to one...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
York's Historical Pubs Tour

York's Historical Pubs Tour

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There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
York's Historical Architecture

York's Historical Architecture

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
York Introduction Walking Tour

York Introduction Walking Tour

Established by the ancient Romans in 71 AD, the city of York breathes history. It first appeared as a walled settlement when the Ninth Legion of Rome conquered the local tribe known as the Brigantes. The town became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and Jórvík, emerging as a major river port and part of the extensive trading...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
York City Wall Tour

York City Wall Tour

Known variously as the York City Walls, Bar Walls, or the Roman Walls (although very little of the extant stonework has remained since Roman times) are the historic monument encircling the Old Town of York.

The surviving portion of the town wall – 3.4km (2 miles) – is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles