The King and York
Previous page: Clifford's Tower
The Lords Clifford were, in ancient times, called castelyns or keepers of this tower; and either on this or some other title, the family claimed the right of carrying the city sword before the King whenever he visited York.
Richard II. is recorded to have taken his sword from his side, and given it to be borne before the mayor of York, on whom he conferred the additional title of "lord". York was governed by a mayor as early as the time of Stephen.
The neighbourhood of York was the scene of some of the bloody conflicts in the War of the Roses; and the lofty gates of the city at one time exhibited the menacing sight of the heads of Lancastrians and Yorkists alternately, as either party was victorious.
The citizens of York supported the cause of Edward, who was honourably received by them on his way to the north, while Henry VI. and his queen had retired after the sanguinary battle of Towton. On his return, after the battle of Hexham, he was crowned again with the royal cap called "Abacot," which had been found in the spoils of his rival.
Next page: Excavations of the Castle
