Clifford’s Tower, Tower Street

About Clifford’s Tower, Tower Street

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.

A member of the same family, Lord Roger de Clifford, was hanged in 1322 at the tower for opposing Edward II, who faced significant challenges during his reign.

Northern barons rebelled against the king, believing his favoured advisor Hugh Despenser the Younger had too much power.

The rebel army was defeated at the Battle of Boroughbridge, close to York, where Lord Roger was captured and was sentenced to death for treason.

His body was hung in chains on a gibbet from Clifford’s Tower and was not removed for many years after.

Records from 1596 contain the first reference to the stone keep as Clifford’s Tower, previously known as the King’s Tower.