III. B. CLIFFORD'S TOWER

York Castle, or Clifford’s Tower, has a long and bloody history. In March 1190, Clifford’s Tower was the site of the notorious massacre of York’s Jewish community. Following the coronation of Richard I in 1189, anti-Semitic rioting broke out in several cities across the country, including York. The following year in 1190, the Coney Street home of Benedict of York, a prominent Jewish member of the city, was stormed and his wife and children were burnt alive. Following this heinous act Joceus, leader of the York Jewish community begged the Warden of York castle to shelter them and their possessions. However, when returning to the castle from business the Warden of the castle was not permitted entrance. The Jewish community were fearful that he might have succumbed to bribery from those that wished them harm. The Warden notified the Sheriff of the North who ordered the castle besieged, further inflaming tensions. A large mob amassed around Clifford’s Tower. The Jewish people claiming sanctuary inside the castle did not have enough supplies to survive for long. Trapped with no chance of retribution or escape, their Rabbi urged the group to take their own lives, in hope of finding peace. It is documented that heads of households slayed their loved ones before ending their own lives, before the King’s Tower was set ablaze. Around 150 Jewish people were killed, the entirety of York’s Jewish community.