HE materials for the History Of the Castle of York in the following pages have been chie?y derived from State papers preserved in the Public Record Office. In many instances Our pre-conceived ideas with regard to the Castle and its Keep are ma terially disturbed, therefore the frequent references to primary authorities in the footnotes may not be unwel come to the more discriminating reader. During the last few years numerous records have been brought to light bearing upon the subjects treated; these have been diligently studied, and several critical disserta tions perused, thus enabling me to present fresh details and important facts concerning a hitherto neglected phase Of Historic York. Although my references to the disquisitions by Mrs. E. S. Armitage are many, my Obligations to her for supplying me with valuable information, advice and encouragement, deserve a special expression Of recog nition. My thanks are due to Mr. Robert Holtby for permitting me to see the Records of the Castle; and to Mr. Frederick J. Mumby for the courtesy and willing readiness with which he gave me access to the documents relating to Clifford's Tower and the Castle, in his Official custody as Clerk to the County Com mittee. I feel indebted to the sub-dean of York, the Rev. Canon Watson, for his consistent patience, and for the use Of many rare books Of reference under his care at the Cathedral Library. The Rev. Edward Bulmer, m.a., with unvarying kindness, has sparedto illustrate an early sketch Of the Great Gate Of the Castle. For the use Of two plans of Clifford's Tower I must recognize the kindness Of Mr. Basil Mott, ce, and express my thanks to Mr. E. Ridsdale Tate, for an original drawing; to Mr. W. Watson, the Museum, who supplied me with photographs; and to Mr. E. Warneford Wray and my son, who have drawn plans. The list Of Yorkshire Sheriffs, compiled by the archivists of the Public Record Office, from documents in their possession, is included in this volume by per mission Oi the Controller of h.m. Stationery Office.