Clifford's Tower is what remains of York Castle, built in 1068 as a wooden defense after William took the Viking capital of York. The building was burnt several times, and rebuilt in stone in the late 1100's, and in a quatrefoil floor plan, the only one in England. It was possibly named Clifford Tower in 1322 as Roger de Clifford was hung there for his part in the Tickhill rebellion against King Edward II. The worst of its history occurred when the crowning of Richard I and his proclamation to join the Crusades started a rumor that he had ordered English Jews to be attacked. Richard de Malbisse instigated the mob violence by torching the house of a merchant he owed money to. Josce of York led his fellow Jews to the safety of the castle, and after a long siege, they killed each other and set fire to the wooden building, choosing death over renouncing their faith, using fire to prevent their mutilation. The castle was eventually in disrepair, used as a jail (closed in 1929) and for storage.

In the spring, the hill on which it perches is covered in yellow daffodils. The fact that this castle is at the top of a rather steep hill smack dab in the middle of a now modern town is rather amazing to see.