York Castle is a fortification in the city of York, England. The castle originally consisted of two motte-and-bailey castles, Clifford’s Tower and Baile Hill, one on either side of the River Ouse.
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower is an impressive sixty foot high motte, which was first built in wood and later replaced in stone. The structure of the tower is a quatrefoil plan, much like a four-leafed clover, a very unusual design. It is thought that the castle was an experiment in improving flanking fire, by reducing dead ground visible from the summit of the keep.
Standing on a hill, the tower was surrounded by a curtain wall and moat. The location of the tower, as well as its three metres thick walls, was a big advantage in defense. Besides being a defensive structure, the tower has operated as a mint, a prison, a court and the county’s administrative centre over the years.
Clifford’s Tower was built during the 13th century and it is believed that it was named after Roger de Clifford, who was hung there in 1322.
Originally the area in which the tower was built was used as a Roman cemetery, and where both the Saxons and Vikings had settlement.
Now the tower is a part of English Heritage, and it is open to visitors daily from 10am to 6pm in spring, 9:30am to 7pm in summer, and 10am to 4pm in winter.
Clifford’s Tower is open all year round, closed only on December 24-26 and on January 1.
Address:
Clifford’s Tower
Tower Street
York
YO1 9RY
England
01904 646940
Baile Hill
The castle Baile Hill is 40 feet high and 180 feet in diameter, and is the only remaining feature of what was known as the Old Baile.
It stands in the south-east corner of the medieval city, surrounded by a large ditch. It was built of horizontally laid layers of earth, and a flight of steps led to a timber structure at the top, which was enclosed by a fence, also made of wood.
William the Conqueror took York in 1068, and it is thought that the Old Baile was built in 1069, in response to a rebellion. There are not many historical sources that can raise more information about the castle, and it is believed the Old Baile was not in regular use for long.
By the 13th century, the castle was in possession of the Archbishop of York.
In 1644, during the Civil War, the Old Baile was used as a royalist gun emplacement; apart from that, however, the area was used for grazing and recreation.
Further information:
English Heritage website
Cliffords Tower website
York Castle Campaign News
Jesse and Rose Blog
Bernard Cornwell’s view of York
Related posts:
- Days Out In York: York Castle Museum York Castle Museum York Castle Museum is located in...
- Let the Festive Season Begin! Castle Howard Christmas Season starts 28 November 2009 Experience a Traditional Family Christmas at Castle Howard Castle...
- Free Days Out near York: Produce and Craft Market at Castle Howard 13th October 2009 Craft and Local Produce Market at Castle Howard 13th...
- Visiting York: Barley Hall Barley Hall Discover what medieval life was really like in...
- Days Out in York: The York Dungeon York Dungeon is one of the biggest tourist attractions in...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
