How many sieges can one castle endure? That question echoes here at the Ruines de l’orangerie de Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard. This spot whispers tales of Richard the Lionheart and the relentless march of history.
Let’s journey back to 1196. Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy, began building Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard. He needed a fortress to protect Normandy from Philip II, the King of France. The location was strategic high above the River Seine.
Construction was rapid. It took only two years, an unusually short time for such a massive castle. The cost was a staggering estimated \u00a312000. Richard oversaw the work personally. He wanted it done quickly. The Pipe rolls tell us about miners stone cutters and masons. Lime workers carpenters and carters all helped. Soldiers guarded the workers.
Even a rain of blood couldn’t deter Richard. According to William of Newburgh Richard and his men were drenched in a rain of blood. His advisors saw it as an evil omen. But Richard pressed on.
Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard was advanced for its time. It used early principles of concentric fortification. It was also one of the first European castles with machicolations. These stone projections allowed defenders to drop objects on enemies below. Richard even boasted he could hold the castle were the walls made of butter.
Richard didn’t enjoy his castle long. He died in 1199 from an arrow wound. His successor King John failed to defend Normandy. Philip II of France laid siege to Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard in 1203. The siege lasted until March 1204. The local population sought refuge within its walls but supplies dwindled. The castellan Roger de Lacy evicted civilians. The French initially allowed some to pass. Later Philip forbade it hoping to drain the castle’s resources.
The French gained access by undermining a tower. A soldier named Ralph found a latrine chute allowing entry. They ambushed guards and set fire to buildings. The Anglo-Norman troops retreated to the inner ward. On March 6 1204 Roger de Lacy surrendered. The French captured Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard.
In 1599 Henry IV of France ordered its demolition. Although already in ruins it was deemed a threat. The stones were used for other buildings.
Today the Ruines de l’orangerie de Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard stand as a monument historique. The inner bailey is open to the public from March to November. The outer baileys are open year-round. As you stand here remember Richard the Lionheart. Remember the sieges and the battles. Remember the echoes of history that still resonate within these stones of Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard.