[1][2] The tower was constructed in c. AD 1490 following a protracted series of improvements to the city walls in this area under Richard III and his successor Henry VII.

The Tilers' Guild were employed by the City Corporation to build the tower in brick, as it was cheaper than stone.

[2] The red tower fell into disrepair by 1776, where it was shown in a drawing to have no roof and to be missing a wall.

[3] In 2014 a Community Interest Company, Red Tower York, was set up in order to manage the site.

The north side has a garderobe with a sloping stone roof, though the raised floor level makes its use impossible.