1068

...

William the Conqueror had the first of two castles built in York. At the point the castle would have been a simple motte and bailey type fortification.

1069

...

William the Conqueror had a second motte and bailey castle built at York. The second castle being built across the river from the first.

1069

September

An army sent by Sweyn of Denmark landed in the north and captured York. Local rebels joined the Danes and attacked the two castles within the city. A fire lit by the Normans in an attempt to prevent the Danes attacking the castles got out of control and a large part of the city was destroyed including the cathedral. The confusion aided the Danes in capturing the castles and killing most of the Normans in the city.

1190

March

Even though the Jews were under special protection from King Richard I, because of their wealth that could help pay for the Crusades, the mob attacked 150 Jews hiding in the castle at York. Most committed suicide rather than be attacked by the mob, but the rest believing promises that they would be spared if they came out left the castle and were promptly massacred. The castle, made only of wood at this time was destroyed by fire during the disturbances. ^[1]

1228

Christmas

After the fire in 1190, the castle at York was rebuilt on a higher mound, but during a visit by King Henry III at Christmas a violent gale demolished the fortifications.  ^[2]

1244

...

After the devastating fire and the gales, King Henry III ordered that a new castle should be built at York, but this time in stone. The new stone keep was originally known as the King's tower but now known as Clifford's Tower. The shape of the new tower is quatrefoil, similar to a French design with a forebuilding acting as a strong entrance. The completed castle had a bailey surrounded by stone walls fortified by five stone towers and two gatehouses. It was important to have a strong castle in an area where revolt and invasion was always a risk. ^[2]

1312

Quarter 1

Gaveston's return to England forced the Archbishop of Canterbury to honour his threat of excommunication and the Earls to prepare for civil war against the king. Edward and Gaveston travelled to Scotland to seek help from Robert the Bruce but were not welcome. ^[3]

1312

May 19

While the Earl of Lancaster set up camp midway between York and Scarborough to prevent Gaveston and the King rejoining, the Earls of Pembroke and Surrey besieged Scarborough castle. The castle was not prepared to withstand the stand-off and Gaveston surrendered after a couple of weeks. The terms of his surrender were generous and Pembroke gave his word that Gaveston would not be harmed until he was presented to Parliament. ^[3]

1319

September 20

While the best of the English army were at Berwick, a Scottish army led by Sir James Douglas invaded Yorkshire. With an untrained army the Archbishop of York, William Melton, tried to fight off the Scots but was defeated at Myton-in-Swalesdale. With the Scots threatening their lands in the north the earls, with Edward at Berwick, abandoned the siege and returned to their homes. Queen Isabella who was in York at the time managed to escape to safety at Nottingham.

1322

May

Edward was now back in control of the country and at the Parliament held at York the rebels who had fought against him were punished, many being executed for treason. The Ordinances against Edward were repealed and those who had supported Edward through the bad times were rewarded. The elder Hugh Despenser was made Earl of Winchester. The younger Despenser was given large amounts of land forfeited by the rebels. ^[3]

1323

May

A thirteen year peace was signed at York between Scotland and England. ^[3]