York - Castle

York Castle, between Fishergate and Skeldergate Bridge, was built of wood by the Normans in 1068, in order to ward off opponents hoping to conquer the north of England, mainly in York. The oldest remaining part is Clifford's Tower, the keep once belonging to Henry III's extensive castle. Constructed in the 13th century as a replacement for the wooden fortress, it was later named after Roger de Clifford, who was executed here in 1322 as leader of the Lancastrian party.

In 1190 about 150 Jews, pursued by a mob incited by the Crusade propaganda against their people, sought refuge in the old wooden tower and were burnt to death. Prison buildings erected on the site in the 18th century are now used to house a museum.