After months of conservation work the Red Tower roof is due to be completed soon.  The City of York Council plan to mark the event with a special opening ceremony and a “Conservation Weekend” on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August 2023.

The Friends of York Walls will also be opening Fishergate Postern Tower on Saturday 12th August from 10:00am to 4:00pm

The Red Tower during roof conservation work – May 2023

The official CYC press release follows, and is also  HERE

York celebrates building conservation at Red Tower

For immediate release: 01/08/23

City of York Council will celebrate the reopening of the Red Tower on 12-13 August, following work to renew its roof for future generations.

Everyone is welcome to join us that weekend at the Red Tower, for a range of activities designed to help the public learn more about the history of the city and conservation work.

The medieval tower was once part of the city’s historic defences and is the only brick structure on the city walls. The reopening will celebrate the reroofing of the Red Tower, and the conservation/management of the City Walls undertaken by the council, partners and stakeholders.

Keymer Tiles, will be providing an opportunity for members of the public to get involved, with clay tile demonstrations and a live clay carving event. Donald Insall Associates, the City Walls architects, will also showcase some of their designs for future City Walls schemes.

The council’s ancient monuments team will also be taking part to showcase their work in the city. While local stakeholders (Red Tower CIC and Friends of York Walls) will be hosting fundraising activities, and sharing their knowledge of the city walls.

Jo Coles, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said:

“York’s city walls are the most complete and finest in England, making them one of our most treasured historical assets. That is why it is incredibly important that we continue to maintain and repair the walls, so we can all enjoy them for many years to come.

“The Red Tower reopening follows conservation work designed to safeguard the future of one of York’s most historic buildings for everyone in the city. By working closely with partners, we have been able to preserve the historic character of the building, whilst also redeveloping the building for business, social and civic uses.”

Contact Information

Notes to editors

The Red Tower

A medieval tower that formed part of the city defences of York. It marks the termination of the city walls, and is the only brick tower in the city, hence the name. It has undergone numerous restorations over the years.,

The 500 year-old watchtower has, in recent years, been transformed into a local community hub and is currently undergoing restoration work to the roof of the building, undertaken by the Council’s own Ancient Monuments Stonemasons and supporting roofing specialists.

For further information please contact:

Newsdesk
City of York Council
Newsdesk / Out of hours: 01904 555515
Email: newsdesk@york.gov.uk

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Posted 2nd August 2023  AF
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