Chateau de Marais

The rain has stopped although it is still cloudy, but I took the opportunity to cycle out before work in case it deteriorated. My destination today was Chateau de Marais (Castle in the Marsh), also known as Ivy castle. Records show that there was a fortification here in 1170 and this was probably a refuge for local inhabitants from pirates. In 1204 after King John lost Normandy a more substantial castle was built in the Motte and Bailey style. It fell into disuse when Castle Cornet became the main defence point on the island, although it was overhauled and updated during the Napoleonic wars.
Today it is maintained by the Guernsey Museums and is a lovely peaceful spot actually right in the middle of an urban area. There is still water in the moat and the overgrown slopes must attract a lot of wildlife.