Clifford's Tower

Clifford's Tower Review

This rather battered-looking keep at the top of a steep mound is all that remains of the old York castle. The stone tower, which sits on a grassy mound surrounded by a parking lot, dates from the mid-12th century. The Norman tower that preceded it, built in 1068 by William the Conquerer, was destroyed in 1190 when more than 150 Jews locked themselves inside to protect themselves from a violent mob. Trapped with no food or water, they committed mass suicide by setting their own prison aflame. From the top of the tower you have good views of the city.