Updated on July 15, 2013
Medieval fortress
Mont Orgeuil castle was first built in 1204 and extended over subsequent centuries. At first its high stone walls provided adequate defence, allowing soldiers in the caslte to fire arrows to ward off would-be french invaders.
The invention of gunpowder made the castle vulnerable to canon fire.
Artillery platforms were added on top of the castle in 1548 to defend against invasion forces on the beaches although a new castle, Elizabeth Castle, near St Helier was built in the 1600s. Mont Orgeuil was then used as a prison to house prisoners who were cast from England. The castle fell into disrepair but was partially rebuilt to house soldiers in the 1700s.
In 1846, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited – a visit that is recorded in stone tablets above one of the doorways.
The English crown handed over the castle to the people of Jersey in 1907 and it has been managed as a museum since 1929. With the German occupation of Jersey in World War II, the German army used the castle as a fortress once more, adding modern fortifications.
The castle is open to visitors from 10am-6pm in the summer months and 10am-4pm in the winter months.
Admission is £11.30 for adults, £6.90 for students and £10.20 for seniors (over 65).
The Jersey Pass is accepted in lieu of the entry fee.
How to get to Jersey Island
Jersey Island is a short flight from Britain, with flights available from several airports. Ferries are also available from English and French ports.
More than a million people a year visit the island with its spectacular coastline of beaches, soaring cliffs and ancient castles.
The mix of French architecture and influence along with the neat English farms, paddocks and villages makes Jersey and interesting place to holiday.
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