Progressive and Orthodox leaders back memorial garden at Clifford’s Tower

“This is why a fitting, and clearly delineated space will serve such an important educative and reflective purpose, for residents and visitors to York. It will undoubtedly command considerable national and global attention, owing to the iconic and infamous nature of this place.”

Plans for the location of the 1190 memorial garden to be in the red circle (Photo: YLJC)[Missing Credit]

In their letter, the MPJ said that “Clifford’s Tower marks the site of one of the most devastating acts of anti-Jewish violence in medieval England. The Jewish community of York, who had lived, worked, and contributed to the economic and civic life of the city, were driven to seek refuge and lost their lives when the perpetrators sought to wipe out York’s Jewish community.”

It continued: “This atrocity was not only a tragedy for the Jewish people, but a loss for York itself. The responsibility to now openly remember it with honesty and dignity belongs to the whole city and speaks directly to the values York upholds today.”

Consultations with the council about the area immediately surrounding Clifford’s Tower – known as the “Eye of York” – have been ongoing since October 2019.

“That’s what’s so frustrating,” Lilian Coulson, engagement officer for the York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC), told the JC. “It’s just about making it happen now.”

Coulson and the YLJC have worked alongside groups including English Heritage, York Interfaith Group, and York Civic Trust – as well as Dr Louise Hampson from the University of York Centre for the study of Christianity & Culture – while putting forward suggestions and concerns about the 1190 memorial garden.

They are eager that the space is large enough for school visits, commemorations, and reflective gatherings, with ample seating for quiet reflection.

In addition, they want it to be clearly demarcated such that it is not misunderstood for a pathway and is clearly a point of significance.

Critically, they say it is important that the memorial makes specific reference to the Jewish community and its massacre in 1190.

“There should be signage that describes the history of Clifford’s Tower, and separate signage about the peace garden and why that’s important for York today. We shouldn’t muddle the two,” Coulson told the JC.

The MPJ echoed this, saying that “it is essential that this space is recognisably and unapologetically rooted in its Jewish significance, including enabling Jewish acts of remembrance and prayer.

An event at Clifford's Tower for the lighting of the Chanukah candles in December 2025[Missing Credit]

“At the same time, its presence within the civic landscape allows it to serve as a place where people of all backgrounds can engage with York’s history and reflect on the importance of mutual respect and shared belonging.” The MPJ added: “Memorialisation, when done with integrity, strengthens social cohesion.”

Coulson said the current proposal for the 1190 memorial area – a single bench facing away from the tower – is “considered very unsatisfactory”.

It “fails to commemorate not only the importance of the site within Jewish history but its national and international importance to the Jewish community as a whole,” she said.

However, due to limited funding from the council, Coulson said that a proper, dedicated space “is likely to require external fundraising” by the Jewish community.

With the backing of both the OCR and the MPJ, as well as the various non-Jewish entities within York, Coulson ultimately hopes the YLJC has sufficiently demonstrated the significance of the site to those in the Jewish community and far beyond.

Anyone who wants to come down and contemplate the site should have the ability to quietly sit and observe one of the most important historic places in York,” she said.

Gary Taylor, director of city development on York council, said they have been working with the YLJC and other stakeholders on a “detailed and sensitive design of this space as part of our wider plans to transform the area.

“This includes moving away from its current use as a surface car park, to a high-quality landscaped space that meets the diverse needs of our communities. Given the importance and historic significance of this space, it’s vitally important we get it right.

“We’re looking closely at the detailed design and costings for scheme improvements which meet the brief set with stakeholders, and are deliverable as part of the project, and will be sharing these proposals very soon.”