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Clifford’s Tower
The name ‘Clifford’s Tower’ is connected with the Clifford family, who at some point in the past became the stone keep’s hereditary constables.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages
About Clifford’s Tower
A member of the same family, Lord Roger de Clifford, was hanged at the tower for opposing Edward II in 1322.
Northern barons rebelled against the king’s rule, believing his favoured advisor Hugh Despenser the Younger had too much power.
The rebel army was defeated at the Battle of Boroughbridge and Lord Roger was captured afterwards, before being sentenced to death for treason.
His body was then hanged in chains on a gibbet from Clifford’s Tower to serve as a warning to anyone who committed treason.
Records from 1596 contain the first reference to the stone keep as ‘Clifford’s Tower’, previously known simply as the King’s Tower.
Please follow the guided route to the old Female Prison (Castle Museum).
Approx. 1hr - 2hrs
Family Friendly 
History & Heritage 
Culture 
