The Red Tower, York

The Red Tower is the sole brick structure within York's medieval city walls, constructed around 1490 with distinctive red masonry. It once marked the southern boundary where the fortifications met the King's Fishpool, serving as a key point along the defensive perimeter.

The tower was built around 1490 during efforts to reinforce York's city defenses under Richard III and Henry VII. Its construction became entangled with tensions between the craft guilds that controlled the city's trades.

The tower reflects the power of the craft guilds that shaped York, with the building itself serving as a marker of their influence in the medieval city. Local people still gather here, continuing a tradition of community use that spans centuries.

The location is easily reached via Foss Islands Road and provides access to the city walls in the surrounding area. The ground floor operates as a community cafe, making it a convenient stop to rest or refresh during a walk along the fortifications.

The tower's stone foundations remain buried beneath the ground because ground levels shifted when the King's Fishpond was filled in to create modern Foss Islands Road. These hidden bases form an important part of the original structure, though they are no longer visible to visitors.

Location: City of York

Part of: City Wall From The Red Tower To Fishergate Postern Tower Fishergate Bar Fishergate Postern Tower The Red Tower Walmgate Bar

GPS coordinates: 53.95798,-1.07137

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:03