Clifford's Tower, York

Things to see and do

Conservation project

Clifford’s Tower reopened in 2022 following a major £5 million project to conserve and radically transform the interior of the 800-year-old landmark.

Where previously the tower was an empty shell, a free-standing timber structure within it has been installed, protecting the ruin and creating a new roof deck to provide magnificent views over York. On the tower’s lost first floor, dramatic aerial walkways open up hidden rooms for the first time since Clifford’s Tower was gutted by fire in 1684.

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What's On

Guidebook: Clifford's Tower

Price: £4.50

 Clifford's Tower Timeline

1068-9York's Castles

William the Conqueror builds two motte-and-bailey castles in York, one of them where Clifford's Tower now stands.

Find out more about the history of York's castles and Clifford's Tower

1069Royal Vengeance

Both castles are burnt by Danish invaders, supported by the people of York. William rebuilds the castles and as punishment lays waste to wide areas of northern England.

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