CLIFFORD'S Tower is to shut for a fortnight next month as the second phase of an archaeological investigation gets under way.

Experts will investigate the mound of the historic York tourist attraction to better understand its structural stability.

English Heritage said this would be the second phase of an investigation which started in November, when an initial assessment found the foundations were in good shape.

"They also confirmed concrete underpinning took place in 1902, with new information that additional concrete underpinning was added in the 1920s," said a spokeswoman.

"The results of both stages of archaeological work will feed into a wider discussion into what might be done to improve the visitor experience at a site that welcomes over 140,000 visitors each year."

Liz Page, historic properties director in the North, said the work would mean the closure of the tower from January 12 to 23, which she hoped would not cause too much inconvenience.

“Clifford’s Tower holds an important place in York’s history and is becoming an increasingly popular destination with both locals and visitors," she said.

"We want to do the tower and its fascinating story justice. Currently there are only three information panels to explain the vast history and significance of Clifford's Tower, which is inadequate.

"But before we start looking to the future, we need to look at the past and these works are part of that process."

Jeremy Ashbee, head historic properties curator, said the mound might contain material from a Bronze Age burial-mound and a Roman cemetery.

"However, its history as a castle starts with William the Conqueror in 1068, trying to subdue the North of England," he said.

"The castle's story has been colourful and sometimes violent, and in its time the tower has been many things, including a prison and a gun-platform. We think that the mound has become taller and wider during successive re-buildings over nine centuries.

“The work in January will involve taking samples of soil from several places in the mound, in order to assess its full stability and understand better its make-up. The stone structure of the tower will also be examined as part of essential conservation work..”

*Anyone interested in the tower's history and the new project can attend a meeting at Quaker’s Meeting House, Lower Friargate, York, at 6.30pm on Thursday January 8. To attend or to be kept up-to-date on Clifford’s Tower news, email investigatingcliffords@english-heritage.org.uk