Yorkshire's Best Guides

2 days ago

St George’s Day and the Gunpowder Explosion of Clifford’s Tower

1643, the Civil War is growing and Clifford’s Tower is now home to the royal garrison. Between 1643 and 1699 Clifford’s Tower is not only home to between 40 and 80 men, it housed large amounts of ammunition and was even used as a prison . Clifford’s Tower was re-roofed, to create an outlook platform as directed by Queen Henrietta Maria.

‘1684 April ye 23rd Cliffords Tower att York has burnt down on ye inside, onely ye shell remaining’

Tragedy would strike the tower on 23rd April 1684. As the garrison carried out a ceremonial firing salute to celebrate St George’s Day, somehow from the firing, which took place on the wooden roof, a naked flame made its way to the ammunition store causing a gunpowder explosion. Luckily Clifford’s Tower was not completely destroyed but the damage internally was great.

Canon’s were still kept at Clifford’s Tower until 1699 when the tower was relinquished to freeholders.

If you haven’t been to Clifford’s Tower before, make sure you give them a visit! There is a lovely wooden roof that you can see amazing views of York from!

🖼️ - Image courtesy of York Museums Trust :: Public Domain - Clifford’s Tower in 1680

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Yorkshire's Best Guides

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Yorkshire's Best Guides

4 days ago

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