Mont Orgueil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mont Orgueil |
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| Gorey Castle | |
| Saint Martin, Jersey | |
Mount Orgueil from the south
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Second World War German range-finding positions were installed into the existing structure to resemble medieval features in order to avoid detection by Allied reconnaissance.
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.svg)
 Mont Orgueil
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| Coordinates | 49°11′58″N 2°01′10″W / 49.1994°N 2.0194°W |
| Site information | |
| Owner | People of Jersey |
| Controlled by | Jersey Heritage Trust |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Intact |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1204–1450 |
| In use | 1204–1945 |
| Materials | Granite |
Mont Orgueil is a famous castle in Jersey. Its name means 'Mount Pride' in French. The castle looks over the harbour of Gorey, a port on the east coast of the island.
Many English-speakers call it Gorey Castle. People who speak Jèrriais, the local language, call it the "Old Castle" (lé Vièr Châté). The name 'Mont Orgueil' was first used in 1462 when the French controlled the castle.
For hundreds of years, Mont Orgueil was the most important fortress on Jersey. It was the main place of royal power until Elizabeth Castle was built in 1594. Today, it is a Grade I listed building, meaning it is very important historically.
Contents
- Mont Orgueil: A Look at Its History
- See also
Mont Orgueil: A Look at Its History
Early Days: Prehistory and Iron Age Fortifications
Long before the castle was built, this spot was important. Digs in the 1970s found signs of an earth wall at the top of the granite rock. This wall was built during the Iron Age, a time when people used iron tools.
Other items like arrowheads and pottery were also found. These date back to the Neolithic period (4000–2500 BC). This shows that people lived and used this area even before the earth wall was made.
These early forts were common along Jersey's northern coast. They used the tall cliffs as natural protection. This helped keep the island's people safe from attackers.
Medieval Times: Building a Stronghold
Jersey became part of the Duchy of Normandy in 933. This happened when the French king gave the island to the Normans. Later, in 1204, Jersey joined the Crown of England. This was after Philip II of France took over Normandy from King John.
Building the castle started right after this change. The castle was first mentioned in records in 1212.
Defending Jersey: French Attacks and Sieges
Mont Orgueil was Jersey's main defence for over 400 years. It survived many French attacks. One famous attack was in 1373. The Constable of France, Bertrand du Guesclin, attacked with 2,000 men.
The French broke through the outer walls. But they could not get past the inner walls of Mont Orgueil. These inner walls were built on solid granite rock, making them very strong.
French Control and Recapture
In May 1461, a French force finally took the castle. This was part of a plan by Margaret of Anjou, the wife of Henry VI of England. She worked with her cousin, Pierre de Brézé, to get French military help. This help was for the House of Lancaster during the Wars of the Roses.
It seems the castle's warden, Sir John Nanfan, helped the French. A secret gate was left open, and the English soldiers were given alcohol. Sir John Nanfan supported Margaret of Anjou.
Even though De Brézé soon lost power, the French kept control of the castle and the island. This lasted until 1468. Then, a combined English and Jerseyman force took it back. This force was led by the admiral, Richard Harliston. During this time of French rule, the castle became known as 'Mont Orgueil Castle'. Before that, it was often called 'Gorey Castle'.
1500s: Adapting to New Weapons
In the mid-1500s, Mont Orgueil was greatly updated. This was because cannons were becoming more common in wars. The castle was weak against cannon fire from a nearby hill, Mont Saint Nicolas.
So, the castle was changed to hold artillery. The battlements were lowered so cannons could fire over them. The walkways on the battlements were also made wider.
Important Changes and New Fortifications
These updates were led by Henry Cornish. He complained that earlier repairs had made parts of the castle too weak. He even said the main tower was so weak it could barely stop a musket shot. In 1543, he asked for a "saker" cannon. This cannon would protect the sands where the French had landed before.
Later updates included making the medieval main tower stronger against artillery. A large L-shaped battery, called the Grand Battery, was also built around 1560. This faced west.
However, these changes were not enough. Mont Orgueil was soon replaced by Elizabeth Castle. This new castle was built in 1594 on a small island near Saint Helier. Walter Raleigh, who was Governor of Jersey in 1600, stopped a plan to tear down Mont Orgueil. He said it would be "a pity to cast it down."
1600s: A Castle Prison and Civil War Role
The 'old castle' served as Jersey's only prison for many years. This lasted until a new prison was built in St. Helier in the late 1600s. The English government found it useful to send people who caused trouble to Mont Orgueil. This was because Jersey law was different from English law. It did not have the same rules against holding people without trial.
Key Figures Imprisoned at Mont Orgueil
Some famous people held at Mont Orgueil included William Prynne and John Lilburne. Later, in 1661, several people involved in the execution of King Charles I were also sent there. These included Thomas Waite, Henry Smith, James Temple, Hardress Waller, and Gilbert Millington.
The English Civil War on Jersey
During the English Civil War, the island's leader, Sir Philippe de Carteret, supported the Royalists. He held Elizabeth Castle for the King. His wife, Anne de Carteret, and their son stayed at Mont Orgueil.
From Mont Orgueil, the Royalists, led by Sir George Carteret, took back the island in November 1643. The Dean of Jersey, David Bandinel, and his son, Jacques Bandinel, were put in prison at the castle. They had supported the anti-Royalist side. In February 1645, they tried to escape by climbing out a window. Their rope broke, and they fell to their deaths on the rocks below.
Surrender and Decline
In December 1651, the island was invaded by the New Model Army. Colonel James Heane led 3,000 soldiers. They defeated the Jersey militia. Facing a strong military force, Mont Orgueil surrendered. Those inside were allowed to go to Elizabeth Castle.
By 1691, a report said the castle's living quarters were in very bad shape. Two years later, the castle was described as ruined. It was no longer used as a prison because Elizabeth Castle was now available. Mont Orgueil was neglected.
Later Years: From Garrison to Museum
Repairs were done on the castle between 1730 and 1734. For the rest of that century, parts of the castle were used to house soldiers. In 1770, officers and soldiers lived in the rooms inside the main tower. The old Catholic chapel was even turned into a barrack room for 60 men.
Spy Networks and Economic Warfare
The castle was later given to a British naval officer, Philippe d'Auvergne. He was in charge of a spy network called 'La Correspondance'. This group aimed to cause problems for the French government in Brittany and Normandy.
One plan involved bringing fake French money into France. This caused hyperinflation, meaning money quickly lost its value. This damaged the French economy until 1802. In 1800, a tower in the castle was set up as d'Auvergne's private office.
Throughout the 1800s, groups of soldiers continued to live in the castle.
Public Access and German Occupation
Until the late 1800s, the castle was open to the public only one day a year: Easter Monday. Crowds from all over the island would visit. This tradition might have come from an older custom of visiting St. George's Chapel inside the castle on St. George's Day.
The castle kept falling apart. Because it was so ruined, the Crown gave it to the people of Jersey on June 28, 1907. Since 1929, Mont Orgueil has been managed as a museum.
During the Second World War German occupation (1940–1945), German soldiers took over the castle. At first, only a small guard was placed there. The castle's caretaker was allowed to stay in his cottage.
But this changed in 1941. Adolf Hitler ordered that the Channel Islands become a strong fortress. More German troops moved into the castle. The caretaker and his family had to leave. German soldiers used the three observation towers at the top of the main tower. In July 1944, a temporary bunker was built inside the castle. This became the headquarters for a German artillery battalion.
Royal Visits: A Place for Important Guests
Mont Orgueil has welcomed many important visitors. In 1846, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the castle.
Later, George V visited in 1921, and Elizabeth II also came. Special inscriptions mark these royal visits.
Present Day: A Living Museum
Since 1994, the Jersey Heritage Trust has managed Mont Orgueil. In the early 2000s, the Trust planned to build a Tudor hall inside the castle's main tower. Around the same time, a £3 million grant helped fund restoration work.
In 2004, a special Jersey pound note was released showing Mont Orgueil. The castle also appears on the 2010 issue Jersey 50-pound note.
On April 2, 2006, after a long building project, the castle reopened to the public. The Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey officially reopened it. The restoration work has made parts of the castle that were once closed now open to visitors.
New modern additions have enclosed parts of the castle, making them weatherproof. Some parts of the structure have been re-explained for visitors. Artworks and displays within the castle grounds also make it more interesting for people to explore.
See also
In Spanish: Mont Orgueil para niños
