Construction of the moth Moyen Âge (≈ 1125)
Estimated building period of the castle.
8 mai 1973
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 8 mai 1973 (≈ 1973)
Official protection of remains by order.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Feudal motte (vestiges) (Box B 514): by order of 8 May 1973
Origin and history
La mote d'Annebault is a medieval vestige located in the Calvados department of Normandy. This site corresponds to the remains of an ancient castle fortified with wood and earth, typical of the defensive buildings of the Middle Ages. The traces visible today include a motte surrounded by a ditch, a bailey (bass-court) lined with a rampart, and a first outdoor ditch. These elements illustrate the primitive castral architecture, designed for the protection and control of the local territory.
The remains of Annebault's feudal moth have been officially classified as historic monuments since 8 May 1973. This ranking underscores their heritage importance and their role in regional history. The motte is located on the edge of the forest, south of the village of Annebault, on a land now owned by a private company. Its present state makes it possible to study medieval fortification techniques, although its access and visit are not explicitly documented.
In the Middle Ages, castral mots such as Annebault served as local power centres, often housing a garrison or a seigneur. They played a key role in the feudal organization, ensuring the safety of the surrounding populations and controlling the lines of communication. Their gradual decline from the 12th century coincided with the evolution of military techniques and the advent of stone castles. Annebault's motte thus bears witness to a pivotal period in Norman history, marked by conflicts and increasing territorial structure.
