Multangular Tower
A ten-sided Roman fortress tower bearing the marks of two millennia of warfare and siege.
A striking ten-sided Roman stone tower dating to the early 3rd century AD, the Multangular Tower stands as one of York's most impressive surviving Roman structures. Originally built as a corner defensive tower of the legionary fortress, it showcases distinct layers of Roman masonry at its base and medieval reconstruction above. Located within the scenic Museum Gardens, the tower displays Roman coffins and bears visible scars from the English Civil War, offering visitors a tangible connection to nearly two millennia of York's turbulent history.
A brief summary to Multangular Tower
- Bootham, York, York, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Examine the clear distinction between Roman stonework at the base and medieval additions above—the change in stone size and construction technique is dramatic and educational.
- Look for the cannonball impact hole on the tower's north side, a tangible reminder of English Civil War siege warfare in the 1640s.
- Study the cross-shaped arrow slits in the medieval section and imagine medieval archers operating from within, protected by the tower's thick walls.
- Visit the interior to see the Roman coffins displayed inside, which provide intimate connections to the people who lived in Roman Eboracum.
- Combine your visit with exploration of the broader Museum Gardens and nearby St Mary's Abbey ruins for a comprehensive understanding of York's medieval and Roman heritage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
Getting There
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Walking from York City Centre
The Multangular Tower is located centrally within York's historic core, approximately 3–5 minutes on foot from York Railway Station via Museum Street. From the station, head northwest through the city centre towards the Museum Gardens entrance. The tower is situated within the gardens, adjacent to the Yorkshire Museum. No parking is required for foot access, and the route is entirely on paved city streets with good pedestrian infrastructure.
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Local Bus Services
Multiple bus routes serve stops near Museum Gardens and the tower. Services operate throughout the day with typical frequencies of 15–30 minutes depending on the route. Journey times from York city centre are typically 5–10 minutes. Check local transport operator schedules for current routes and fares, which are generally under £2 per journey for city services.
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Cycling
York is a highly cycle-friendly city with dedicated cycle paths throughout the historic centre. The Multangular Tower is accessible via these networks, with journey times of 5–10 minutes from most central locations. Bike parking is available near the Museum Gardens entrance. No fees apply for cycling access.
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Taxi or Private Vehicle
Taxis are readily available throughout York city centre. Journey times from the railway station are typically 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Parking near the Museum Gardens is limited; the nearest public car park is approximately 200–300 metres away with typical charges of £1.50–£2.50 per hour. Alternatively, park in one of York's larger peripheral car parks and walk or cycle into the centre.
Multangular Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Multangular Tower
A Monument to Roman Military Engineering
The Multangular Tower represents one of the finest examples of standing Roman architecture in Britain. Built around 100 AD as part of Eboracum's legionary fortress, this ten-sided tower originally stood at the southwest corner of the massive stone wall that defended the Roman settlement. The fortress itself was established in AD 71 when the 9th Legion marched north from Lincoln to secure this strategically vital location at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss. The Romans chose this position not for its elevation but for its unparalleled defensive advantages—the converging rivers provided natural barriers on two sides, while supplies and reinforcements could be transported directly from the North Sea via the River Ouse. The tower's construction employed limestone quarried from Tadcaster, known to the Romans as Calcaria, and represents a substantial military investment. Originally standing over ten metres high with three internal floors, the uppermost level housed a catapult for long-range defence. The structure's distinctive ten-sided design gave it superior defensive coverage compared to square towers, allowing Roman soldiers to command wider sight lines along the fortress walls.Layers of History Carved in Stone
What makes the Multangular Tower exceptional is its visible archaeological narrative. The lower portion retains the original Roman masonry, with neatly laid inner stone skins and rough outer faces where earth embankments once reinforced the walls. Above this foundation sits a distinctly different section of medieval stonework, added during the 1300s when York required new city defences covering a far greater area than the original Roman fort. Medieval builders ingeniously incorporated the surviving Roman walls as foundations for their own fortifications, a practical solution that preserved these ancient structures for posterity. The medieval additions are unmistakable—larger stone blocks form the upper section, and distinctive cross-shaped arrow slits pierce the walls, designed to allow medieval archers to operate safely behind the ramparts. These embrasures opened as wedges internally, permitting archers to adjust their aim while remaining protected from enemy fire. The tower's medieval phase also saw the addition of arched embrasures that accommodated the longer bows of 14th-century warfare.Scars of Conflict and Civil War
The tower's walls bear witness to York's most recent period of military significance. During the English Civil War, when the city walls were still actively defended, a cannonball struck the tower, leaving a visible impact hole that remains visible to this day. This damage serves as a poignant reminder that the Multangular Tower remained strategically important more than 1,500 years after its Roman construction. The tower's longevity as a defensive structure—from the Roman era through the medieval period and into the 17th century—testifies to the enduring value of its location and design.Archaeological Treasures Within
Inside the tower, visitors encounter Roman coffins crafted from millstone grit, a coarse hard sandstone, excavated from graveyards throughout York. These burial vessels provide intimate evidence of the Roman population that once inhabited Eboracum, offering tangible connections to individual lives lived nearly two thousand years ago. The coffins' presence within the tower transforms it from a mere defensive structure into a repository of human history.Setting and Modern Context
The Multangular Tower now stands within the Museum Gardens, a beautifully maintained green space in York's historic centre. The gardens themselves form a living museum, surrounded by other significant ruins including the remains of St Mary's Abbey church. The tower's integration into this landscape creates an ideal environment for understanding York's layered past. The nearby Yorkshire Museum, established in the 1820s and recently refurbished, complements the tower experience with extensive collections relating to Roman York and the broader history of the region.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
