Grosnez Castle
Grosnez Castle is a small ruined castle from the 14th century, 4.5 kilometers from Saint Ouen , on the coast in the northwest of the Channel Island of Jersey . The name comes from the patois , derived from the old Nordic word grar ness - for "gray headland" - an accurate description of the place.
The former castle complex, the remaining substance of which is located in the southern area, had an extension of about 30.0 × 70.0 m in the west-east direction and 80.0 m in the north-south direction. The location on a protruding cliff 60.0 m above sea level meant that the castle was naturally protected on three sides. A trench carved into the bedrock protected the fourth side. The walls, which were provided with a series of semicircular bastions, were made of local granite . It is possible to see the shape of the walls and buildings from which the foundations have survived. The castle was built by Sir John des Roches around 1330.
The gatehouse, the highest part of the ruins still standing, was protected by a drawbridge and portcullis . However, the castle had a number of weaknesses. There were no second containment levels and no sideline gates for counterattacks. Most importantly, there was no water supply within the walls. The castle was conquered by French troops in 1373 and 1381 and was probably destroyed during the occupation of Jersey (1461–1468). In 1483 the Seigneur of St. Ouen received permission to fortify his manor. It is unlikely that permission would have been given if Groznez had been preserved.
Grosnez Castle is depicted on the reverse of the Jersey 50 pence coin.
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Coordinates: 49 ° 15 ′ 27 " N , 2 ° 14 ′ 47.2" W.