The redevelopment of the area around Clifford’s Tower presents a once in a generation chance to commemorate a Medieval atrocity committed against Jews in York, councillors have heard.
Dr Louise Hampson, a research fellow at the University of York, told councillors the site had enormous emotional and spiritual significance for Jews due to the massacre there in 1190.
Lilian Coulson, of York’s Liberal Jewish Community, said a space was needed for people to reflect on and learn about what happened while showing the city stands against intolerance.
Cllr Katie Lomas, York Council’s major projects and human rights spokesperson, said the redevelopment aimed to be sensitive to the site’s difficult history.
It comes as councillors approved the Castle and Eye of York redevelopment on Tuesday, November 4.
The £9.934m scheme is set to see the 298-space Castle Car Park closed and turned into a park and play space, though 30 Blue Badge bays will remain.
Major projects spokesperson Cllr Lomas said in July the latest plans sought to create a greener and more versatile public space.
But a circular path designed for people to walk along to commemorate the up to 150 Jews killed in the 1190 pogrom were not included in plans approved on Tuesday.
A radial path featuring information about key historical events at the site is set to circle the base of the mound which Clifford’s Tower sits on top off.
An 1190 memorial space featuring planting and seating is planned at the entrance to Clifford’s Tower, with plans to tell the story of the event along with the site’s history.
The council is also exploring updating the wording of the plaque at the bottom of Clifford’s Tower so people can participate in the Jewish tradition of commemoratively laying stones.
The 1190 pogrom took place when York’s Jewish community sought refuge in the wooden keep of York Castle where Clifford’s Tower now stands, amid heightened religious tensions and attacks on Jews.
Those holed up in the tower took their own lives en masse to avoid being killed or forcibly baptised by the mob surrounding them below.
Dr Hampton, who researches Jewish communities in York, told Tuesday’s executive meeting the area around Clifford’s Tower held national and international significance for the faith.
The researcher said: “The events of 1190 are of exceptional importance, people come from all over the world to be in this space.
“For those that can, climbing the stone steps into Clifford’s Tower is a powerful experience, but for those who can’t there needs to be a way of meeting those needs.
“The development of this area offers a once in a generation opportunity to create a space within the wider plans to recognise the extraordinary significance of this area in York’s history and for Jewish communities around the world.”
York’s Liberal Jewish Community’s Ms Coulson said a space was needed where large groups of people could gather to commemorate and contemplate the events of 1190.
Ms Coulson said: “I request a space that shows that in York we move forward together.
“I propose that the 1190 memorial garden be expanded to include something missing in our city, there isn’t currently a peace garden in the city and what better place than at York Castle.
“We’re an international city and one of sanctuary that stands together against religious intelorance and racism.”
Council Major Projects and Human Rights Executive Member Cllr Lomas said there was always more than could be done but the redevelopment had to take place in a financially-sustainable way.
Deputy Leader and culture spokesperson Cllr Pete Kilbane said the current version of the plans was not the end of the road for commemorating the events of 1190 and others.
