Multangular Tower, York

The Multangular Tower is the western corner tower of the Roman fortress and consists of both Roman and medieval architecture. The tower has 10 sides, from which it derives its modern name "multangular", and is 19 feet (5.8 meters) high. It was built in its late Roman form during the early 4th century when it was constructed with three floors to house a catapult. Five Roman stone coffins are in the tower, which were brought from graveyards in other areas of York.

A 76-foot (23 meters) section of 4th-century wall connects the Multangular Tower to a small interval tower. The side of the wall and towers facing into Museum Gardens is carefully faced in stone, as during the Roman period it was on display. The other side is rougher because it was originally covered by an earth bank. The wall and towers were still in use after the end of the Roman period in Britain, and were subsequently incorporated into the medieval city walls. As late as the English Civil War they were being used to defend the city, and there is a hole in the wall along from the Multangular Tower that was made by a cannonball during this period.

Why You Should Visit:
This is one of a number of sites in the Museum Gardens which makes them so special. Doesn't look much but very interesting and dynamic inside.

Tip:
Be sure to venture beyond the facade of the tower to see the remains of the original Roman wall – and the way in which the many stone coffins have been put to more modern use.