Chateau des Marais, Medieval castle in Saint Sampson, Guernsey.
Chateau des Marais is a castle set on a flattened hilltop surrounded by a deep moat that emphasizes its defensive position. The stone walls display traces of different construction phases and reinforcements from various periods.
Archaeological findings show settlement at the site from around 3500 BC, while the first fortified structure is documented from 1170. The fortress was built as a key strategic location for military control of the region.
The castle serves as a gathering place for community events and helps residents connect with the medieval heritage of their area. Visitors experience how this site remains central to local identity and memory.
The castle is accessible via footpaths from Ivy Castle Lane or Victoria Avenue, with parking available near Sir John Leale Avenue. Wear sturdy shoes since the hilltop terrain is uneven and the moat area can be damp underfoot.
The walls contain remains of Napoleonic fortifications and German World War II command bunkers, preserving traces of multiple military eras. These layers show how the structure was repeatedly adapted to meet changing military needs.
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