Grosnez Castle
La Route De Grosnez, St. Ouen, Jersey, JE3 2AD
Rating: 4.5 ★ (528 ratings)
Details
Grosnez Castle is a ruined 14th-century castle located in St Ouen, in the north-west corner of Jersey in the Channel Islands. It was built around 1330 under the instruction of Sir John des Roches, primarily to offer a place of refuge for local farmers from French attacks. The castle's name, Grosnez, is believed to originate from the Old Norse words "grar nes," meaning "grey headland," which accurately describes its appearance from the sea, rather than the French translation of "big nose."
The castle's strategic position on a clifftop approximately 60 meters (200 feet) above the sea provided natural defenses on three sides, with a man-made ditch cut into the rock protecting the landward side. Despite these defenses, the French captured the castle in 1373 and again in 1381. It has been a ruin since the mid-16th century, with the gatehouse being the most substantial remaining structure. Today, the ruins are open to the public free of charge and offer breathtaking views, especially at sunset, across to Guernsey, Sark, and France on clear days.
Location
Opening Hours
Open to the public at any time.
Contact
01534 445500