Anglian Tower

The Anglian Tower is a small square stone tower on the south-west side of York’s medieval city walls. It stands just above modern street level, partly hidden by later ramparts. The tower abuts the 4th-century Roman fortress wall, which once enclosed the legionary fortress. Workmen tunnelling in 1839 first uncovered its remains. A later excavation in 1970, led by archaeologist Jeffrey Radley, exposed more of the structure. The tower’s base has two arched doorways that once allowed a sentry to pass behind the Roman wall. The tower is unusual because no similar structure exists in Britain or Europe. Its exact age is debated: some argue it dates from the 7th or 9th century, while others suggest the 4th or 5th century. The stone used is newly quarried limestone, not reused material, which complicates dating. The tower’s purpose remains unclear; it may have been a watchtower or a simple passage through the wall. Two plaques on the site explain its history and honour Jeffrey Radley, who died during the excavation. Visitors find the tower’s remains standing over three metres high. The stonework shows arched doorways and a tunnel-vaulted ceiling. It is reached on foot from York City Library or the Museum Gardens. The tower sits between conjectured locations of two Roman interval towers. Though only the lower portion survives, the site offers a quiet glimpse into York’s layered past.