Multangular Tower
The Multangular Tower is a corner tower of the Roman legionary fortress at York, standing in Museum Gardens between the Yorkshire Museum and St Leonard's Hospital. Its lower half is Roman, probably from the early third century, and the upper half was rebuilt in the medieval period.
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A corner of Roman York
The tower stood at the western corner of the fortress and was one of two corner towers on the wall facing the river. The fortress was chiefly a base for controlling the region. The wall itself was around five metres high, and the tower may have risen to well over ten metres.
Reading the stonework
The tower is a good lesson in how York was built and rebuilt. The lower courses are Roman, while the upper part is a medieval reconstruction, and you can see the change in the stonework as you look up. It is one of the most substantial pieces of Roman masonry still standing in the city. It is a tangible way to show children just how old the city is.
Visiting
Because it sits inside Museum Gardens, it is easy to combine with the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, about 120 metres away, and the Yorkshire Museum. Rise. Coffee is around 90 metres from the tower for a break, and Bootham Bar is a short walk east. There is no separate entry; you simply walk up to it within the gardens.
Highlights
- Corner tower of York's Roman legionary fortress
- Lower half Roman, probably early third century
- Upper half rebuilt in the Middle Ages
- In Museum Gardens beside the Yorkshire Museum
Good to know
- The tower is within Museum Gardens, which close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk · york.gov.uk