Multangular Tower: York’s Roman and Medieval Fortress Sentinel
Explore York’s iconic ten-sided Roman tower blending ancient military might with medieval defense, nestled in serene Museum Gardens.
The Multangular Tower is a remarkable ten-sided Roman stone tower dating from the early 3rd century AD, located in York’s Museum Gardens. Originally part of the Roman legionary fortress’s west corner, it features well-preserved Roman masonry below and medieval reconstruction above. The tower offers a rare glimpse into York’s layered history, including visible damage from the English Civil War and displays of Roman coffins inside.
A brief summary to Multangular Tower
- Bootham, York, York, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the contrasting Roman and medieval stonework visible on the tower’s exterior.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the Museum Gardens and nearby historic sites like St Mary’s Abbey ruins and the Yorkshire Museum.
- Look closely for the cannonball damage on the north side, a rare Civil War relic embedded in the tower’s walls.
- Inside the tower, view the Roman coffins made from millstone grit, offering insight into ancient burial customs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Several local bus routes serve stops near Museum Gardens, including routes 4 and 10, with a travel time of approximately 15–25 minutes from York city center. Buses run frequently during the day, with tickets costing around £2.50–£3.50.
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Walking
From York city center, the Multangular Tower is a 10–15 minute walk along mostly flat, paved paths through historic streets. The route is accessible for most visitors, including those with mobility aids.
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Taxi
Taxis from central York take about 5–10 minutes to reach the Museum Gardens area, with fares typically ranging from £6 to £10 depending on traffic.
Multangular Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Multangular Tower
Architectural Testament to Roman Military Engineering
The Multangular Tower stands as one of York’s most intact Roman structures, originally built in the early 3rd century AD as part of the legionary fortress’s defensive walls. Its distinctive ten-sided design, from which it derives its name, was an advanced architectural feature for the period. The tower would have originally reached over ten metres in height and contained three internal floors topped by a roof. Constructed from locally quarried limestone, the tower formed a critical part of the fortress’s western defenses, strategically positioned overlooking the River Ouse and River Foss confluence.Medieval Adaptations and Continued Military Use
In the medieval period, the tower was rebuilt and heightened, with larger stone blocks added above the original Roman masonry. This reconstruction included the addition of cross-shaped arrow slits, designed for archers to defend the city while remaining protected. The tower’s medieval phase reflects York’s evolving defensive needs as the city expanded beyond the original Roman footprint. Remarkably, the tower remained militarily significant through the English Civil War, evidenced by visible cannonball damage on its northern side, a tangible reminder of the city’s turbulent history.Integration into York’s Museum Gardens and Archaeological Significance
Today, the Multangular Tower is located within the tranquil Museum Gardens, a verdant space that houses various historical ruins and the Yorkshire Museum. The tower’s interior contains Roman coffins excavated from local graveyards, displayed to enrich visitors’ understanding of Roman burial practices. The juxtaposition of Roman and medieval masonry visible on the tower’s exterior offers a unique educational insight into centuries of architectural evolution and urban defense.Historical Context of York’s Roman Fortress
York, known as Eboracum to the Romans, was established as a legionary fortress in AD 71 during the campaign against the Brigantes tribe. The fortress initially used earth and timber defenses before being rebuilt in stone around AD 210 under Emperor Severus. The Multangular Tower was one of eight defensive towers integrated into the fortress walls, with a matching tower at the south corner and six interval towers. Its location between two rivers provided natural defensive advantages, making it a vital military stronghold in Roman Britain.Visitor Experience and Surrounding Heritage
Visitors to the Multangular Tower can explore its historic stonework and appreciate the layered history visible in its construction. Nearby, the picturesque ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and the Yorkshire Museum complement the experience, offering a broader narrative of York’s rich heritage. The Museum Gardens provide a peaceful setting to reflect on the city’s past, blending natural beauty with archaeological treasures.Preservation and Cultural Importance
The Multangular Tower is a protected historical landmark, representing over 1,800 years of York’s history. Its preservation allows for ongoing archaeological study and public education. The tower’s survival through multiple eras—from Roman occupation to medieval fortification and Civil War battleground—makes it a unique symbol of resilience and continuity in York’s urban landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- 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
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
