French archaeologists dig out medieval castle from under Brittany manor
France's National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) says it has unearthed the remains of a medieval castle in Vannes, on the coast of Brittany. Unexpected discoveries have allowed archaeologists to sketch out the 600-year-old structure and its internal life for the first time.
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Inrap says it carried out the dig – commissioned by the Vannes city council – early last year to check for remains before the 18th-century building on site underwent construction to become a fine arts museum.
Digging in the manor’s courtyard and cellars, archaeologists found an outer wall and moat, Inrap announced last week. They also excavated evidence of a bridge over the moat and a mill within the castle’s residential area.
The bridge allowed access to the city, Inrap said, while adding that the mill was built “in a very original way”.
Four metres down, Inrap said it “unexpectedly uncovered the ground floor” measuring 42 metres long and 17 metres wide, surrounded by walls six metres thick.
Judging by “remarkably preserved” staircase remains, archaeologists estimated the castle had three or four levels.
Among the other discoveries were drainage pipes and latrines, filled with items including jewellery, clothing, utensils and coins dating back to the 15th century.
Impressively preserved
A 2021 Inrap study noted the existence of a medieval building at this location, but they were surprised by the complex and extensive structures found last year.
They believe the impressive preservation of the castle owes, in part, to the muddy conditions of the terrain.
The layout, similar to Suscinio Castle 25 kilometres south of Vannes, was a popular 14th-century model for Briton dukes.
Brittany was a medieval feudal state between the 10th and 16th centuries, ruled by a line of dukes.
According to researchers, the site – known as the Castle of Hermine – was built around 1380 by Jean IV, Duke of Brittany and Count of Montfort, as a symbol of his power.
Sumptous stronghold
The large castle – one of Jean IV’s favourite residences – became a stronghold within his expanding territory and urbanised the township of Vannes.
In its press release, Inrap said that the castle’s construction, completed in a single phase, demonstrated the duke’s wealth.
“[He] knew how to surround himself with the best engineers and craftsmen of the time,” it said, adding that markings on the wall show workers following an advanced plan.
🎥 Le château de l'Hermine refait surface à Vannes (Morbihan)
— Inrap (@Inrap) March 29, 2024
À Vannes, dans le Morbihan, les ruines d'un édifice que l'on pensait à jamais disparu refont surface : Le château de l'Hermine
👉 https://t.co/CL0HQeto8d@Inrap_ActuGO @MairieDeVannes pic.twitter.com/cb1op7sYEv
Jean IV's grandson abandoned the castle in favour of another residence. Evidence of the dwelling, only inhabited for its first century, is almost absent from historical archives.
The vast building on top of the ruins, known variously as Château de l’Hermine and Hôtel Lagorce, has served as a hotel, restaurant, training schools and government offices since it was built in the 1780s. It has been owned by the city since 1976.
Officials have yet to announce whether the art museum will go ahead as planned in light of Inrap’s discoveries.
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(with newswires)
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