Clifford’s Tower – York Castle travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

York Castle is located in the city of York, England, and is a fortified complex comprising, over the last nine centuries, a sequence of castles, prisons, law courts and other buildings on the south side of the River Foss. It is sometimes called Clifford’s Tower. Before developing into a major fortification with extensive water defences, serving as the centre of royal administration in England, the castle suffered a tumultuous early history. 

York Castle fell into disrepair by the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming used increasingly as a gaol for both local felons and political prisoners. By the time of Elizabeth I the castle was estimated to have lost all of its military value but was maintained as a centre of royal authority in York. During the English Civil War in 1642 the York Castle was repaired and refortified, playing a part in the Royalist defence of York in 1644 against Parliamentary forces. York Castle continued to be garrisoned until 1684, when an explosion destroyed the interior of Clifford’s Tower.

By the 20th century the ruin of Clifford’s Tower had become a well-known tourist destination and national monument; today the site is owned by English Heritage and open to the public. The other remaining buildings serve as the York Castle Museum and the Crown Court. Although little remains of the rest of the castle, it’s worth the climb to the top of Clifford’s Tower for the wonderful view over York. There are many opportunities there for splendid photo memories to be taken. Additionally there is the Castle Museum and the prison cell in which Dick Turpin spent his last days are in sight of the tower.