Grosnez Castle

Grosnez Castle is a small castle ruins from the 14th century, at Saint Ouen, on the northwest corner of the Channel Island of Jersey. The name comes from the patois derived from the Old Norse word for " gray headland " - GRAR ness - an accurate description of the place.

The location on a projecting cliff, 60 meters above the sea, meant that it was protected on three sides, of course. A hewn in the bedrock trench protected the fourth side. Marked with a series of semi-circular bastions walls were made of local granite. It is possible to detect the shape of the walls and buildings, of which the foundations have been preserved. The castle was built about 1330 by Sir John des Roches.

The gatehouse, the only significant residue was protected by a drawbridge and portcullis. However, the castle had a number of weaknesses. There was no second collection level and no down gates for counter-attacks. Above all, there was no water supply inside the walls. The castle was captured in 1373 and 1381 by French troops and destroyed probably during the occupation Jerseys ( 1461-1468 ). In 1483 the Seigneur of St. Ouen was to secure the approval of his mansion. It is unlikely that he would have received the permit if Grosnez was still preserved.

Grosnez is depicted on the reverse of Jersey 50 Pence coin.