in 1190, 150 local jews were killed in a pogrom in the castle keep; most of them committed suicide in order not to fall into the hands of the mob. henry iii rebuilt the castle in stone in the middle of the 13th century, creating a keep with a unique quatrefoil design, supported by an outer bailey wall and a substantial gatehouse. during the scottish wars between 1298 and 1338, york castle was frequently used as the centre of royal administration across england, as well as an important military base of operations.