York Castle
York Castle is a fortified complex on the bank of the River Foss in York, England. William the Conqueror ordered the first motte-and-bailey castle here in 1068 to control the former Viking city of Jórvík. The stone keep — Clifford's Tower, with its unusual quatrefoil plan — was raised by Henry III between 1245 and 1272. In 1190, around 150 Jewish residents took refuge in a wooden predecessor on the same mound during a pogrom and chose collective death rather than surrender, one of the worst such atrocities in medieval England.
The ruined keep is managed by English Heritage, which added new timber staircases and a roof terrace in 2022. Surrounding buildings house York Castle Museum.
Visitor information
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Tier
- C (Worth a visit if you're already in the area)
- Coordinates
- 53.9558, -1.08
Frequently asked questions
- Where is York Castle?
- York Castle is in United Kingdom, United Kingdom (approximately 53.9558, -1.08).
- Can you visit York Castle?
- Yes — York Castle is a recognised tourist attraction in United Kingdom.
- What tier is York Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- York Castle is rated C tier on the Castle Atlas — Worth a visit if you're already in the area.
- What can you see at York Castle?
- York Castle is a fortified complex on the bank of the River Foss in York, England. William the Conqueror ordered the first motte-and-bailey castle here in 1068 to control the former Viking city of Jórvík. The stone keep — Clifford's Tower, with its unusual quatrefoil plan — was raised by Henry III between 1245 and 1272. In 1190, around 150 Jewish residents took refuge in a wooden predecessor on the same mound during a pogrom and chose collective death rather than surrender, one of the worst such atrocities in medieval England.
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