Mont Orgueil is a castle in Jersey that overlooks the harbour of Gorey. It is also called Gorey Castle by English-speakers, and lé Vièr Châté by Jèrriais-speakers.HistoryThe site had been fortified in the prehistoric period, but the construction of the castle was undertaken following the division of the Duchy of Normandy in 1204. The castle was first mentioned in 1212.The castle was the primary defence of Jersey until the development of gunpowder which then rendered the castle ultimately indefensible from Mont Saint Nicholas, the adjacent hill which overlooks the castle. Mont Orgueil was updated with platforms for artillery constructed in 1548 and 1549 under the direction of Henry Cornish, Lieutenant of the Earl of Hertford in Jersey. Cornish complained that earlier repairs to the donjon by Robert Raymont had left it so weak it was vulnerable to musket shot; "lyke a nadyl eye scarse abyll to byde a hagboshe." In 1543 he had asked for a "saker" cannon that would cover the sands between "Grovyll" and the castle, where the French had landed in the past.Mont Orgueil was to be superseded by Elizabeth Castle off Saint Helier, the construction of which commenced at the end of the 16th century. Walter Raleigh, Governor of Jersey in 1600, rejected a plan to demolish the old castle to recycle the stone for the new fortifications with the words: "'twere pity to cast it down". Are you ready to go Over the Edge? Take on an exhilarating challenge for Jersey Hospice Care and join our fundraising abseil at the stunning Mont Orgueil Castle! What’s the deal? Two unforgettable days of adventure Saturday: 1.5 hour mandatory training session led by the expert John from Jersey Adventures. Sunday: Conquer the Castle with your thrilling abseil! What does it cost? £30.00 for Heritage members £39.45 for non-members (includes your castle entry fee) Friends and family can come cheer you on, but they’ll need to pay the Castle entry fee unless they hold a Heritage pass. Make a Difference We ask each participant to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Setting up a fundraising page is easy through JustGiving, or we can provide you with a sponsor form. Spots are limited With only 30 places available, don’t wait to secure your spot—it’s your time to fly! Dare to take the leap and support Jersey Hospice Care. Sign up today and make memories while making a difference! Ready? Let’s do this!
Join 10,000 daily subscribers and never miss out on events happening in Jersey again!