Fort du Muret, Ruined motte-and-bailey castle in Les Andelys, France
Fort du Muret, also called the motte de Cléry, is a ruined motte-and-bailey castle on the Vexin plateau near Les Andelys, in Normandy, France. The cone-shaped earthen mound rises above the surrounding fields and is still partially encircled by the remains of a water-filled ditch.
Fort du Muret was built around 1180 as part of the defensive network surrounding the nearby Château-Gaillard, constructed by Richard the Lionheart. In 1203, King Philip II of France took the fort, just before Château-Gaillard itself fell in 1204.
Fort du Muret is also known locally as the motte de Cléry, a name that refers to the raised earthwork that forms its base. Walking around the mound today, you can still trace the outline of the wide ditch that once surrounded it on all sides.
The site sits on an open plateau and is reached on foot along unpaved paths, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. There is little signage on the ground, so it helps to locate the mound on a map before arriving.
Although only a small earthen mound survives, archaeological investigations have found evidence of a deep well inside the original structure. This suggests the garrison was prepared for a long siege, with a water supply built directly into the defenses.
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