York Castle

York Castle is a fortified complex of castles, prisons, law courts and other buildings built over the last nine centuries on the south side of the River Foss.

Originally on the orders of William I to dominate the former Viking city of Jórvík, the castle suffered a tumultuous early history before developing into a major fortification. This first castle at York was a basic wooden motte and bailey castle built between the rivers Ouse and Foss. 

Henry II visited York Castle four times during his reign. In 1190, York Castle was the location of one of the worst pogroms in England during the medieval period. King John used York Castle extensively during his reign, using the keep as his personal quarters for his own security.

Between 1245 and 1270, the castle saw the the construction of a towered curtain wall, a gatehouse with two large towers, a small watergate, a chapel and a new stone keep (Clifford’s Tower) among others.

Maintaining the castle was becoming increasingly expensive, and in 1614 King James sold the lease on Clifford’s Tower and the surrounding land.