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ll that remains of York Castle is the shell of the stone keep on top of the motte. This keep is known as Clifford's Tower. The tower is constructed from four semi-circular lobes and would have had a roof supported by a central column. The roof and interior have long since disappeared.


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1190  Mar  Massacre of Jews at York
   Even though the Jews were under special protection from Richard I ,because of their wealth that could help pay for the Crusades, the mob attacked 150 Jews hiding in the castle at York. Most committed suicide rather than be attacked by the mob, but the rest believing promises that they would be spared if they came out left the castle and were promptly massacred.1 
1312  Qtr 1  Edward looks to Scotland for help
   Gaveston's return to England forced the Archbishop of Canterbury to honour his threat of excommunication and the Earls to prepare for civil war against the king. Edward and Gaveston travelled to Scotland to seek help from Robert the Bruce but were not welcome. At Tynemouth the King and Gaveston took a boat to Scarborough leaving behind them everything including Isabella, Edward's wife. Gaveston took refuge at Scarborough Castle and Edward went to York.2 
  May  Gaveston surrenders
   While the Earl of Lancaster set up camp midway between York and Scarborough to prevent Gaveston and the King rejoining, the Earls of Pembroke and Surrey besieged Scarborough castle. The castle was not prepared to withstand the stand-off and Gaveston surrendered after a couple of weeks. The terms of his surrender were generous and Pembroke gave his word that Gaveston would not be harmed until he was presented to Parliament.2 
1319  Sep 20  Battle of Myton
   While the best of the English army were at Berwick, a Scottish army led by Sir James Douglas invaded Yorkshire. With an untrained army the Archbishop of York, William Melton, tried to fight off the Scots but was defeated at Myton-in-Swalesdale. With the Scots threatening their lands in the north the earls, with Edward at Berwick, abandoned the siege and returned to their homes. Queen Isabella who was in York at the time managed to escape to safety at Nottingham. 
1322  May  Parliament at York
   Edward was now back in control of the country and at the Parliament held at York the rebels who had fought against him were punished, many being executed for treason. The Ordinances against Edward were repealed and those who had supported Edward through the bad times were rewarded. The elder Hugh Despenser was made Earl of Winchester. The younger Despenser was given large amounts of land forfeited by the rebels.2 
1323  May  Treaty signed
   A thirteen year peace was signed at York between Scotland and England.2 


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The map shows the location of this medieval building and other buildings close to it. Coastline and rivers nearby are also shown. Click on the icons to see more information about the medieval place.Select the 'Centre Map Here' option to move the selected place to the centre of the map. Zoom in and outusing the small portcullis icons at the top right of the map.

Other castles are shown as small square icons.
Nearby PlaceKm
Ripon Cathedral35.19
Fountains Abbey37.21
York Minster0.89
Rievaulx Abbey33.64
Byland Abbey28.02
Pontefract Castle32.56
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Selection of references used:

1. John Gillingham, The Life and Times of Richard I, 1974
2. Caroline Bingham, The Life and Times of Edward II

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Medieval and Middle Ages History Timelines - York Castle (Clifford's Tower)
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