Exploring Mont Orgeuil (Gorey) Castle, Jersey Island, England

Mont Orgeuil castle was first built in 1204 and extended over subsequent centuries. At first its high stone walls provided adequate defence, allowing soldiers in the caslte to fire arrows to ward off would-be french invaders.

The invention of gunpowder made the castle vulnerable to canon fire.

Artillery platforms were added on top of the castle in 1548 to defend against invasion forces on the beaches although a new castle, Elizabeth Castle, near St Helier was built in the 1600s. Mont Orgeuil was then used as a prison to house prisoners who were cast from England. The castle fell into disrepair but was partially rebuilt to house soldiers in the 1700s.

In 1846, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited - a visit that is recorded in stone tablets above one of the doorways.

The English crown handed over the castle to the people of Jersey in 1907 and it has been managed as a museum since 1929. With the German occupation of Jersey in World War II, the German army used the castle as a fortress once more, adding modern fortifications.

The castle is open to visitors from 10am-6pm in the summer months and 10am-4pm in the winter months.

Admission is £11.30 for adults, £6.90 for students and £10.20 for seniors (over 65).

The Jersey Pass is accepted in lieu of the entry fee.

Jersey Island is a short flight from Britain, with flights available from several airports. Ferries are also available from English and French ports.

More than a million people a year visit the island with its spectacular coastline of beaches, soaring cliffs and ancient castles.

The mix of French architecture and influence along with the neat English farms, paddocks and villages makes Jersey and interesting place to holiday.

Click on the hotlinks or the pictures to read my other travel articles on England and Jersey:

Glamping at Durrell Wildlife Park, Jersey Island, England

Gerald Durrell grew up on the island of Corfu. When he returned to England he established a wildlife park to provide a natural environment for threatened exotic species of birds and animals.

Exploring Mont Orgeuil (Gorey) Castle, Jersey Island, England

This is one of England's most interesting castles. Stone steps lead from the entrance to the top of the artillery platform and turrets, bringing its fascinating history alive.

Punting on the River Cam, Cambridge, UK

The city of Cambridge is famous for its exceptional academic history and traditions and the scientific discoveries made here. Through the turbulence of the past centuries flows the calm River Cam.

A national treasure - Dyrham Park, Bath, England

Dyrham Park is a 17th century mansion built over an old farmhouse by William Blathwayt. The extensive formal gardens, a deer park and an attached church are all cared for by the National Trust.

Midsomer Murders filming locations, Oxfordshire, England

After seeing Midsomer Murders for a few years, so many of the locals had been despatched that it was surprising to find there are still residents living in the idyllic villages of Oxfordshire.

Taking in the splendour of Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey was founded more than 1000 years ago as an Anglo-Saxon church. The current Victorian Gothic interior was added in the 1800s.