England · Partial ruin
York Castle
York Castle is a fortified complex on the north‑west side of the River Foss in the city of York, England. Its core medieval feature is the 13th‑century white limestone keep known as Clifford's Tower, set atop a raised motte and originally surrounded by a towered curtain wall, gatehouses and extensive water defences; later parts of the site were redeveloped into prisons, law courts and museums.
First raised
1068
Its prime
1270
Today
Partial ruin
As it stood in 1270
The shape it held in its prime.
Perched on a high earthen motte, the castle is dominated by a two‑storey white‑limestone keep with a unique quatrefoil plan of four circular lobes and defensive turrets, the south entrance protected by a square gatehouse between two lobes. A stone curtain wall with regularly spaced round towers encloses a bailey of timber and stone service buildings. Broad water defences — a surrounding moat and the large artificial King's Pool fed from the River Foss — define the approach.
Step inside
9 places to explore in 1270.
The record describes 9 distinct spots at York Castle — including 3 interiors: chapel over the keep entrance / portcullis chamber, curtain wall walk and round mural towers, castle gaol and holding cells. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and walk through every one — more scenes means more photos, more angles and more rooms of the immersive experience.
Create History
See York Castle with the fires lit.
The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1270 — a photoreal walk that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.
Recreate Castle to Explore →
