Historical tower of strength looks out over York

By Jim Sales Account Executive

Cliffords Tower with views over York, emphasizing heritage property insurance

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Since the radical £5 million restoration of Clifford’s Tower in the centre of York, it’s become one of English Heritage’s most visited buildings, with more than 262,900 visitors in the last 18 months.

It’s hardly surprising as Henry III’s stone tower, which sits on William the Conqueror’s grassy mound, provides spectacular views over the historic city, including York Minster.

Clifford’s Tower in York. Client: English Heritage Picture date: Monday March 21, 2022. Photograph by Christopher Ison for English Heritage © 07544044177 chris@christopherison.com www.christopherison.com

Ironically, with all the modern talk of devolving power from Westminster, 13^th century Clifford’s Tower was the seat of royal power and the centre of government in the north of England for 500 years.

It’s all that remains of the medieval royal castle of York – but it had stood as a roofless ruin since a catastrophic fire on St George’s Day in 1684 when a ceremonial cannon salute went horribly wrong.

Hugh Broughton Architects, working with conservation specialists Martin Ashley Architects, were selected by English Heritage to repair and enhance visitor facilities at Clifford’s Tower following a design competition.

A timber structure was installed to partially cover the ruin and provide a viewing platform, while suspended metal walkways give access on the first floor to features unseen for centuries.

One of these reveals King Henry III was a lover of his creature comforts as he had a toilet in the tower.

Conservation architect Martin Ashley said: “It is missing only its timber seat, but it even has a little toiletries cupboard. The remarkable thing is that there is a flushing spout because it was an automatic flushing lavatory, using rainwater.”

The existing stairs up the mound were steep and had no intermediate landings or stopping points, so handrails have been added and three resting points installed.

Image of Medieval Cliffords Tower, emphasizing the value of heritage insurance

Clifford’s Tower in York. Client: English Heritage Picture date: Monday March 21, 2022. Photograph by Christopher Ison for English Heritage © 07544044177 chris@christopherison.com www.christopherison.com

Interior of Cliffords Tower in York, highlighting insurance for historic landmarks

Emilia Roberton 11, at Clifford’s Tower in York. Emilia voices a character from history, Eleanor, in the new interpretation at the site. Client: English Heritage Picture date: Monday March 21, 2022. Photograph by Christopher Ison for English Heritage © 07544044177 chris@christopherison.com www.christopherison.com

There’s an enlarged public area at the base of the mound with visitor information about the long and turbulent history of the site from the beginning when a timber castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and including the 1190 massacre and suicide of 150 members of York’s Jewish community – one of the worst anti-Semitic events in English history.

During this tragic event the structure was burned to the ground and reconstruction of the present Clifford’s Tower began in the early 13th century. There are also details on the tower’s role in the English Civil War.

Since the re-opening of Clifford’s Tower in April 2022, the architects’ imaginative intervention of this much treasured Scheduled Ancient Monument has already scooped a number of awards – The York Press People’s Choice Award voted for by readers of The Press, the Young People’s Award voted for by those under 18, the Conservation/Restoration Award at the 2022 York Design Awards and the John Shannon Award for Conservation.

The design was developed in consultation with English Heritage and Historic England, the city community including the Museums Heritage Trust, York Civic Trust, York City Council and the Conservation Area Advisory Panel.

Visit english-heritage.org.uk or Clifford’s Tower

At Abode we value the buildings of bygone times and the history they bring to modern-day life. Restorations are something we’re passionate about and are able to support with the correct insurance policy.

If you live in a listed or historic home and are embarking on a restoration journey, you can contact us for free advice or a quote. You can also learn more about our restoration cover here

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You can read all about listed buildings in film and tv or learn about the National Portrait Gallery’s transformation.

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