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Summary

Mid 13th century interval tower, and probably one of the earliest towers on the wall. It is D-shaped and originally had an open gorge. The inside has three recesses from which the external cruciform arrow slits opened. The internal room is roofed with a segmental stone vault.

Monument Type(s)

• INTERVAL TOWER (Mid C13, Medieval - 1233 AD to 1266 AD)

Protected Status

• Listed Building
• Conservation Area
• Scheduled Monument

Full description

¶Tower 7 (NG 60015129. Pl. 20; Fig. next), probably that called 'Sadlertower' in 1380 and 1403, is of mid 13th-century type and probably one of the earliest towers on the wall. It is D-shaped and originally had an open gorge. The inside has three recesses from which the cruciform arrow slits opened. The N.W. recess has been converted into a fireplace and the arrow slit has been blocked; the brick-lined chimney must once have projected above the platform. The doorway in the wall inserted across the gorge has a shouldered lintel. The room is roofed with a segmental stone vault which cuts off the top of the central arrow slit though sloping upwards towards the rear.

The wall near Tower 7 shows a curious technique of rebuilding, also found opposite Jewbury, with rows of small stones between large ashlar blocks. In this part there is also a good example of a stone shattered by cannon shot
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/rchme/york/vol2/pp90-107

RCHME, 1972, An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in the City of York, Volume II The Defences, p93 (Monograph). SYO63.

2001, York City Walls (Tower 7 Sadler) Photogrammetry (Survey). SYO1826.

YAT, 2004, York City Walls Chainage 352-400 (inc Sadler Tower) (Unpublished document). SYO850.

Sources and further reading

Related records

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