It is well signposted from the city centre. The castle is surrounded by a huge pay and display parking area. The tower takes its name from one grisly incident in its long history, when Roger de Clifford was executed for treason against Edward II and hanged in chains from the tower walls. There is a minimal charge for admission, but English Heritage members are admitted for free. The 11th-century timber tower on top of the earth mound was burned down in 1190, after York's Jewish community, some 150 strong, was besieged here by a mob and committed mass suicide. Clifford's Tower is open: Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. York is claimed by many to be one of the most haunted cities in England. Built 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 with extensive water def… It is a place filled with history from a dark past, yet there is one site that is far bloodier than the rest. This building stood for just over a century before being burnt down in one of York’s bloodiest and tragic moments, when, in 1190, 150 Jews were massacred on the site. Clifford’s Tower is a massive stone edifice that watches over York from the height of a great mound. Clifford’s Tower is one of the best-loved landmarks in York. The tower offers a fantastic view around the centre of York, lending great opportunities for photographs. The staff were really friendly and the information points offered some detailed information about the history of the tower. The original mound of Clifford's Tower, with a timber structure at the top, was constructed by William the Conqueror in 1068 as a statement of his power over the region. It has comprised a sequence of castles, prisons, law courts and other buildings, which were built over the last nine centuries on the south side of the River Foss. Clifford’s Tower. With sweeping panoramic views of York and the surrounding countryside, it isn't hard to see why Clifford's Tower played such a crucial role in the control of northern England. Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. York Castle is a fortified complex in the city of York, England. The now-ruined keep of the medieval Norman castle is commonly referred to as Clifford's Tower. A walk around will only take you about 15 Clifford's Tower is on Tower Street, immediately opposite the York Crown Court and a stone's throw from Fairfax House and the York Castle Museum. The stunning panoramic views over Old York from the top of Clifford's Tower, make it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There's plenty to discover at this imposing tower … It is the largest remaining part of York Castle, once the centre of government for the north of England.