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* York Area Index * 22. Clifford Tower, Assize Law Courts, Castle Museum
The Clifford Tower was built on the 2nd Baile from the time of William the Conqueror. The other is just a tree covered mound called Baile Hill on the opposite bank of the River Ouse - no doubt ensuring domination of the river and access to the Vale of York!
This great medieval structure was built out of limestone ~1250 after several of its predecessors had been burned including during a rising of York folks in support of a Danish uprising.
It was further rebuilt after the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660 and above the doorway are the Royal Coat of Arms and those of the Clifford family - prominently carved into the panels above the archway.
The Assize Courts were designed by John Carr and built between 1773 and 1777. The building faces the Castle Museum and has a grand Ionic front. There are two fine courtrooms, still in use today and the trials of Dick Turpin (1739), the Luddites (1812) and the Peterloo rioters (1820) took place in them.
The Castle Museum was the 18th century City prison, but now a very popular tourist attraction. There are a huge number of exhibits including an 8th century Saxon helmet, an Edwardian courtyard, the 18th century prison cells, 1st World War trench and many other displays illustrating domestic life over the past 400 years.
The Raindale Mill rebuilt on the banks of the River Floss and in the background is the tower of the Assize Courts. |
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