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Origin and history

Montfort-sur-Risle Castle, built in the 11th century by Hugues I of Montfort, is an emblematic example of medieval military architecture. Located on a rocky spur at an altitude of 100 metres, it controlled the land routes between Pont-Audemer and Brionne, as well as the river traffic of the Risle. Its strategic location made it a key defence point for the Duchy of Normandy, especially during the conflicts between Normans and Francs, then between the kings of France and England.

The origins of the castle remain debated: some historians evoke a Gallo-Roman occupation, while others favour a Franco foundation. Hugues I, nicknamed Hugues à la Barbe, erected the first stone enclosure around 1030, in a context of feudal struggles under the minority of Guillaume le Bâtard. His great-grandson, Hugues IV, strengthened the fortress in the 12th century, adding a rectangular dungeon and flanking towers, probably in response to political tensions, such as the conspiracy of the Croix-Saint-Leufroy (1122) to place Guillaume Cliton on the throne.

The castle played a major role in Norman conflicts. Hugues II de Montfort, duke Guillaume's connetable, took part in the victory of Mortemer (1054) and in the conquest of England in 1066, receiving as a reward lands overseas. However, the fluctuating alliances of the lords of Montfort — sometimes loyal to the Dukes of Normandy, sometimes rebel — led to repeated seats. In 1122 Henry I of England besieged and took the fortress, entrusting it to Galeran IV of Meulan. The Montforts recovered it only in 1153, under Robert II, who exercised considerable power there with 55 knights under his banner.

The fortress suffered major destruction at the beginning of the thirteenth century. In 1203, Hugues V de Montfort, faithful to Jean sans Terre, lost his life in combat, and the castle was delivered to Philippe Auguste by Hugues de Gournay. Repainted by the English, it was partially dismantled: razed towers, fallen walls, filled wells, and upper floors of the destroyed dungeon. Philippe Auguste's envoys found more than ruins there, marking the end of his military role. The remains, listed as historical monuments in 1937, were restored by volunteers between 2009 and 2017.

The site extends over 4.6 hectares, with a high courtyard of 3,600 m2 protected by four corner towers and a gate tower called Saint-Nicolas. The 18 × 16 metre dungeon has flat buttresses and a partial shirt, while the 2 metre thick dungeons are girded with 10 metre deep ditches. The materials — flint, blockage and limestone — bear witness to evolutionary construction techniques, with traces of spicatum (IXth–Xth centuries) near the dungeon. Two distinct construction phases were identified, reflecting successive military adaptations.

Today, the ruins of the castle, freely accessible, are managed by local associations such as Montfort Culture and Heritage and the Medieval History and Architecture Buildings (CHAM). The latter have conducted devegetation, consolidation and tourist development campaigns, such as a medieval garden and picnic areas. The Medievals, organized every first weekend of September, animate the site and highlight its history, while attracting a family audience. Despite its state of ruin, the castle remains a symbol of the Norman heritage and a place of memory of feudal struggles.

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