Château de Gisors facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Château de Gisors |
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| Gisors in the départment of Eure, France | |
The original octagonal keep and chemise of Gisors
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 Château de Gisors
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| Coordinates | 49°16′48″N 1°46′23″E / 49.279903°N 1.772975°E |
| Type | Motte-and-bailey castle |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Dukes of Normandy |
The Château de Gisors is a historic castle located in the town of Gisors, in the Eure area of France. This castle was a very important stronghold for the Dukes of Normandy during the 11th and 12th centuries. Its main purpose was to protect the Anglo-Norman lands of Vexin from the King of France.
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What is the History of Gisors Castle?
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The first castle at Gisors was ordered by King William II of England. He asked Robert of Bellême to build it around 1095. Later, King Henry I of England added a strong octagonal stone tower, called a keep. This tower was built on top of a large mound of earth known as a motte.
King Henry I built many castles in Normandy. His goal was to protect the region from the French crown. More than 25 castles were built during his time as king.
When Did Gisors Castle Change Hands?
In 1193, King Richard I of England (who was also the Duke of Normandy) was captured and held in Germany. While he was away, the castle was under the command of Gilbert de Vascoeuil. During this time, King Philip II of France managed to take control of Gisors Castle.
After King Richard's death in 1199, Philip II conquered most of Normandy. This meant that Gisors Castle was no longer as important as a border fortress.
What is the Castle's Connection to the Knights Templar?
The Château de Gisors is also famous for its connections to the Knights Templar. This was a powerful group of warrior monks. The French king gave them charge of the castle between 1158 and 1160.
Later, in 1314, the castle became the final prison for Jacques de Molay. He was the Grand Master, or leader, of the Knights Templar.
How Many Soldiers Were Stationed at Gisors?
Experts believe that the castle's large courtyard, called a bailey, could have held about 1,000 soldiers. However, during the Hundred Years' War, the number of soldiers was much smaller. In 1438, the English army stationed there had only 90 soldiers. By 1448, this number had dropped even further to just 43.
What Does Gisors Castle Look Like?
The first parts of the castle were built around 1095. This included a large earth mound (motte) and a spacious courtyard (bailey). Henry I of England, who was the Duke of Normandy, later added an octagonal stone tower (keep) to the motte.
After 1161, major improvements were made. The stone keep was made taller and stronger. The wooden fence around the motte was replaced with a stone wall, creating a protective layer called a chemise. The outer wall of the bailey was also completed in stone, with defensive towers along its length. The octagonal keep is still one of the best examples of a "shell keep" that remains today.
What Other Towers Were Added?
A second tower, which is round, was added to the castle's outer wall. This tower is known as the Prisoner's Tower (tour du prisonnier). It was built in the early 13th century, after the French took over Normandy. More defenses were added during the Hundred Years' War. In the 16th century, large earth mounds were built around the castle for extra protection.
Since 1862, the Château de Gisors has been recognized as a monument historique. This means it is a protected historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture.
See also
- List of castles in France
- Gérard de Sède
- French Romanesque architecture
