Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

136 ANCIENT AND
opinion, that a corresponding tower formerly stood. Clif
ford's Tower was erected by William the Conqueror, after
his reduction of the city of York, as a keep to the Castle ;
and is called Clifford's Tower, from the circumstance,
that one of the Clifford's was the first governor appointed
by that monarch. The Lords Cliffords were, in olden
times, called the casteleyns, or wardens of the tower ; and
members of the family have contended for the right of
carrying the city sword before the king when he visited
York. That right, however, has always been conceded to
the Lord Mayor, who, within the walls, takes the prece
dence of every one, after the sovereign and presumptive
heir. In the reign of Charles I., the tower was fortified
by the earl of Cumberland, and a square building added
to it, at the entrance. Over the gate, were placed the
royal arms and the arms of the Clifford's, viz., chequed,
a fess, ensigned with an earl's coronet, supported by two
wiverns, and the motto, Desormais, which are yet in
good preservation. On the top of the tower a platform
was constructed, on which some cannon were mounted.
After the surrender of the city, in 1644, this tower only
was allowed to remain fortified ; and on the journals of
the House of Commons the following resolution, dated
26 February, 1646, is recorded, " Resolved, that Clif
ford's Tower (York) be kept a garrison, with three score
foot in it." In 1660, we find mounted in the tower,
eleven pieces of artillery. In 1C83, Charles II. appointed
Sir John Reresby, governor ; but in the following year,
it is suspected by design, the fortifications were blown up
with gun-powder, and nothing was left standing but the
naked walls, which still survive, as one of the picturesque
ornaments of York ; affording yet an excellent view of the
surrounding country. In 1825, it was gravely proposed to
demolish the tower and mound ! Better counsels, how
ever, prevailed, and the majority of the magistracy resolved
to protect the noble ruin, by carrying a strong wall round
the mound on which it stands.