Meet the King who gave York its independence

King John at Clifford’s Tower, 7 & 8 July 2012

It is 800 years since King John granted the City of York its independence on 9 July 1212, and as part of the York 800 celebrations, the monarch himself will be returning to the city to hold court in Clifford’s Tower on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 July 2012.

The King will be receiving his subjects as he turns the courtyard of the tower into his temporary throneroom, explaining the rules of medieval etiquette for those meeting a monarch, and even letting some visitors take a seat on the throne and try on his crown! Visitors are also welcome to bring their disputes before the King for him to settle, or even petition him for independence of their own town.

“Many people will know of King John from the Robin Hood stories – the ruthless pretender who tried to take the throne from his brother, Richard I – and as his brother had already earned the nickname ‘Lionheart’, it made John seem even more cowardly to try to steal the throne whilst his brother was imprisoned overseas,” comments English Heritage’s events manager, Jon Hogan. “Combine this with military failures that cost him dearly, and you can see why the prospect of York’s business people running the city and paying taxes, rather than the sheriff, held so much appeal to him – much the same pressure that forced him into signing Magna Carta three years later.”

Although, at the time of King John’s reign, there would have been no keep on top of the mound – the original wooden keep burned down in 1190 and the stone version that you can see today was not constructed until the 1250s – the surrounding York Castle would still have been a very important stronghold for the King, especially with unrest amongst the Northern barons caused by his ineffective leadership.

The event runs from 11.00am to 5.00pm each day at Clifford’s Tower. Admission prices are £4.00 for adults, £3.60 for concessions and £2.40 for children, or £10.40 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children). English Heritage members get in free. Clifford’s Tower itself is open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm.

For more information, please call Clifford’s Tower on 01904 646940 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/cliffords

ENDS

For further media information, please contact:

Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (Yorkshire)

Tel: 0113 251 5698

Mob: 07810 546567

Email: jay@fim.org.uk