Chambois Castle

Chambois Castle, locally known as Château de Chambois or Donjon de Chambois, lies in the village of the same name, in the Orne department in France.

Want now is Chambois Castle is only the remaining keep of a larger castle. It was built, according to dendrochronological research, between 1160 and 1190. At that time it was owned by the 3rd Earl of Essex, William de Mandeville. The fief of Chambois, however, already existed since 1024 when it had been granted by Richard II, Duke of Normandy, to the count of Vexin and Ponthieu. It had been confiscated by Henry I of England in 1113.

In 1204 the Duchy of Normandy was again directly attached to the royal domains of France. And in 1210 Chambois was a fiefdom in the bailiwick of Exmes. In 1346 the English, who had again seized it, had to hand it over again after they lost the Battle at Cocherel against the troops of Bertrand du Guesclin.

During the 15th century the strong castle withstood a siege, causing its frustrated attackers to raze the village and retreat. In 1649, during the Fronde (a series of civil wars during the minority of Louis XIV) the castle and village were looted.

In the 1st half of the 18th century, the old living quarters next to the keep were demolished and replaced by a modern chateau. In 1830 the castle had lost its function and apparently was in disrepair. As a consequence, everything was sold in pieces and what remained was destroyed with exception of the 12th century keep.

At present Chambois Castle, situated in a small village park can freely be visited. Its interior however is not accessible. A very nice Norman keep in a sleepy little village.

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