Mont Orgueil, Medieval castle and history museum in Saint Martin, Jersey
Mont Orgueil is a castle of pale grey and brown stone on a rocky mound above Gorey Harbour, its irregular outline wrapped by a broad curtain wall. A rectangular keep with a flat top crowns the summit, and lower wall segments step down the slope. A tall, slim metal framework stands against the outer wall on the left.
The fortress was built in 1204 after Jersey came under English control. It remained the main defense against French attacks for over 4 centuries.
The Great Hall holds artworks reflecting Jersey's ties to the British Crown. The rooms give a sense of how those in power lived and ruled here.
The site is open daily from March through October, while winter months have reduced hours. The climb to the fortress is steep and involves many stairs, so wear comfortable shoes.
The castle's name was first recorded as "Mont Orgeuil" in a 1462 ordnance survey made while the French held Jersey. English speakers long called it Gorey Castle, and Jèrriais speakers know it as lé Vièr Châté, the Old Castle.
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