Clifford's Tower, York: The notorious past of one of York's most famous landmarks
After York Minster, Clifford’s Tower is arguably the city’s most recognisible landmark.
Today run by English Heritage, the Tower was built in the 13th century, during the reign of Henry III, replacing the timber structure burnt in the city’s infamous Jewish massacre of 1190.
Its name is believed to be after nobleman Roger Clifford, who was executed near the Tower folliwing a rebellion against King Edward II.
In 1536, Catholic leader Robert Aske was also executed at the Tower following the Pilgramige of Grace, a peaceful uprising against Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries.
The Castle Museum, just a short walk away from the Tower, also has something of a notorious past.
Once the site of York’s prison, it housed hundreds of the city’s criminals – including ‘the Yorkshire Witch’ Mary Bateman, and highwayman Dick Turpin, who was imprisoned there before being hung at Tyburn on the Knavesmire.