THE scene of a medieval murder is being transformed into a 21st century café and community hub.

The Grade 1-listed Red Tower on the city alls of York near Navigation Road was built more than 500 years ago, part-funded by King Richard III, before his death at Bosworth Field in 1485.

Because it was built of brick, its construction did not please local stonemasons unhappy that tilers were asked to build the property.

And in 1491 the simmering row escalated and one of the tilers, John Patrik, was murdered. Two masons, William Hindley, and Christopher Homer, were charged with murder but later acquitted.

Award-winning Croft Farm Construction, York, is now refurbishing the tower and internal fitting out in a £90,000 contract has started for owner, not-for-profit Red Tower Community Interest Company, which secured a 30-year lease from City of York Council in February 2017.

After refurbishment, the property, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, will incorporate meeting and events space, LED lighting, a café, kitchen and WC as a community hub for residents, visitors and businesses.

Funding has come from Yorventure’s Landfill Communities Fund, City of York Council and Two Ridings Community Foundation.

Profits will subsidise community use.