York Castle played a key role during this conflict. As a Norman bastion in the heart of rebellious territory, it was both a base for William’s forces and a refuge against local insurgents. The castle helped the Normans reassert control over the city and surrounding lands.
Architectural Evolution: From Wood to Stone
Like many Norman castles initially built in timber, York Castle underwent major changes as the need for stronger defenses grew and as the medieval period advanced. Around the late 12th century, under King Richard I and his successors, the wooden structures began to be replaced by more durable stone.
The most significant stone addition was the construction of Clifford’s Tower, a large stone keep on the site of the original motte. The name derives from Roger de Clifford, who was appointed sheriff of Yorkshire in the early 13th century. The octagonal stone tower, completed around 1245, became an iconic feature of York’s skyline.
Clifford’s Tower was designed not only as a defensive structure but also as a royal residence and a symbol of authority. Its stone walls and elevated position gave it strength against siege warfare, which was becoming increasingly sophisticated during the medieval period.
Alongside the keep, the castle complex included stone curtain walls, gatehouses, and other defensive buildings. The castle expanded in size and complexity, reflecting York’s growing importance as a northern administrative and judicial center. shutdown123