Clifford's Tower is one of the few remaining pieces of York Castle - it was originally the Castle's 'keep'.
To begin with the tower was known as the King's Tower. It was first erected in 1086 by William The Conqueror. This early castle was burnt down by locals who rebelled.
A second wooden castle was built, and in 1190 this was the location of one of the most horrifying episodes in York's history. Over 150 Jews were rounded up into the castle by an angry mob of locals, who had decided not to repay the loans which the Jews had leant them. Rather than be killed those inside the tower decided to commit suicide, some having to murder their own wives and children in the process. This terrible act also saw the tower burnt to the ground for the second time.
To begin with the tower was known as the King's Tower. It was first erected in 1086 by William The Conqueror. This early castle was burnt down by locals who rebelled.
A second wooden castle was built, and in 1190 this was the location of one of the most horrifying episodes in York's history. Over 150 Jews were rounded up into the castle by an angry mob of locals, who had decided not to repay the loans which the Jews had leant them. Rather than be killed those inside the tower decided to commit suicide, some having to murder their own wives and children in the process. This terrible act also saw the tower burnt to the ground for the second time.
The daffodils all around Clifford's Tower were planted in memory of the 150 Jews of York who were murdered and this plaque commemorates this gruesome event. It reads:
"On the night of Friday 16 March 1190 some 150 Jews and Jewesses of York, having sought protection in the Royal Castle on this site from a mob incited by Richard Malebisse and others, chose to die at each other's hands rather than renounce their faith".
It has been said that the stone walls of Clifford's Tower have been seen bleeding blood, the blood of those Jews who lost their lives centuries ago and for this reason that some of the stones are permanently stained red.
[In more modern times, the bleeding walls have been written off to be no more then iron-oxide in the stone. But the legend is surely more fascinating and touching …]
