Description of the attraction
Mont Orgueil is a castle on the island of Jersey in the English Channel. The castle guards the harbor of Gori, so sometimes you can find the name "Castle Gori", especially in English-speaking sources.
Archaeological excavations indicate that various fortifications have existed on this site since prehistoric times. The castle was built after the division of the Duchy of Normandy in 1204, the first written records of this fortress date back to 1212. The castle reliably defended the island until the time when the massive use of artillery made it vulnerable. At the very end of the 16th century, Elizabeth Castle was built, which took over the main defensive functions, but Walter Reilly, the then governor of the island, refused to demolish Mont Orgueil Castle. For a long time, the fortress served as the only prison on the island. The British authorities exiled political prisoners here, wishing to isolate them.
In 1846 the castle was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In the 20th century, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II came here. In 1907, the British crown transferred the castle to the people of Jersey, and a museum was opened here. During the occupation of the island by Nazi troops, modern fortifications were built in the castle, disguised as old masonry.
Now Mont Orgueil Castle is the main historical attraction of the island of Jersey, and many tourists come here. Historical reconstructions are held in the castle, such as performances by medieval jugglers and actors, shows with birds of prey, etc.
