Mont Orgueil Castle

Overlooking Gorey harbour, Mont Orgueil Castle (aka Gorey Castle, the Old Castle and Le Vier Chate) was constructed following the division of the Duchy of Normandy in 1204. The Castle remained the first line of defence against French invasion until the construction of Elizabeth castle in 1594. Thereafter, it was converted into a prison, often holding political agitators such as William Prynne from the English mainland, and then for use as barracks. It was occupied by German forces during the second world war, and now appears on the Jersey £50 note.

At over 800 years old this Castle is a symbol of Jersey’s identity

Its history is a story of the Norman conquest, French invasion and Jersey’s long standing connection to the English crown.

There are almost 200 steps to the top of the Castle, where you can take in one of the best views in Jersey. As you explore the network of staircases, towers and secret rooms, you’ll discover hidden treasures and gruesome stories of castle life through specially commissioned artwork. In the turrets you’ll find the medieval ‘wheel of urine’, and in the cellars ‘the witches in hell’. High on the battlements with a view of the surrounding countryside and distant French coast, you’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with wooden soldiers who ‘guard’ the Castle from invasion. Don’t miss world-renowned artworks “The Queen” and “Equanimity” in the Medieval Great Hall, by artist Chris Levine and holographer Rob Munday, commissioned to celebrate Jersey’s relationship with the monarchy.