During the development of a fine arts museum in Vannes, Brittany, northwestern France, excavations revealed the remains of a medieval castle. Everyday Heritage Château Lagorce, which currently functions as a hotel, was built in the 18th century. The excavation began in the courtyard of a century palace.
Researchers from the French National Institute for Archaeological Research found that the castle was built around 1380 by Jean IV, Duke of Brittany and Count of Montfort from 1345, and 7th Earl of Richmond from 1372. The structure was known as the Château de l’. It was built to assert Hermine and Duke’s authority in the area.
Archaeologists discovered a moat and two stories of the fortress-like outer wall of the castle in the courtyard, 13 meters below street level. The masonry suggests that the castle has four levels, several staircases, latrines and drainage pipes. The latrine area was filled with everyday objects dating back to the 15th century, including jewelry, coins, a lock, and various clothes.
The team also found the remains of a bridge that spanned the moat, connecting the castle to the town, and a mill built in the castle’s residential area “in a very original way”. The mill wheel was driven by a canal that flowed under the castle and was released into the moat through a grate in the mill room.
