The ramparts

   The ramparts have been repaired many times over down the centuries and it would be pointless looking now for scraps of the original construction (1060-1080). On the other hand, their position and that of the moat have definitely not changed since the 11 th century, except on the north side on account of the building of the keep and its enclosure (curtain). In the Middle Ages, the top of the ramparts would definitely have been crenellated, probably until the 17 th c. when the castle's military function went into decline and the upkeep of the defensive sections ended.

The moat

The castle moat
prior to clearance work.
Postcard, c. 1900.
Source : Musée de Normandie

   The dry moat or ditch follows the line of the castle walls and has hardly changed since the 11th century, apart from the cutting of a four-sided, lined ditch that envelopes the curtain wall around the castle keep.

   The dry ditch was excavated during the intense phase of castle building. It presented an obstacle to the enemy as well as providing an enormous stone quarry for the construction and strengthening of the walls. Mason's workshops for the rough hewing and trimming of stone, and lime-kilns for the production of mortar were set up here...

   As an important element of defence throughout the Middle Ages, the dry moat was rigorously maintained and from time to time cleaned out. During the English occupation (1417-1450) it was even deepened.

   From the 17th century onwards, the ditch lost its military function. Householders backing onto the castle ditch laid out gardens and threw their rubbish into it.
Today the site is protected from urban spoil, and the dry moat harbours a wide variety of plants and wildlife.

Link to the future of the ramparts