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Origin and history

Olivet Castle is a castral moth built in the first half of the 11th century, typical of medieval fortifications in land and wood. Located in the forest of Grimbosq, at the confluence of two streams, it dominated a rocky spur with strategic views of Orne. This site was able to control the passage of the river, in a forest massif then much wider than today.

Originally, the castle belonged to Erneis Taisson, the younger son of Raoul Taisson, an angeline lord settled in Normandy. Erneis was in conflict with his older brother, Raoul II Taisson, lord of Mutrecy and Thury-Harcourt. The latter, known for his revolt in 1046 against Duke Guillaume le Bâtard (future Conqueror), finally joined him after the battle of Val-ès-Dunes in 1047. These fratricidal tensions reflected the frequent power struggles in Normandy during the Duke's minority.

The site, searched between 1975 and 1978, reveals an organization in three parts: a central motte with a belfry, a noble bassyard to the north (logis, chapel Saint-André-d-Olivet) and a utility bassyard to the south (forge, stable). Aristocratic objects, such as spurs or trictrac pawns, were discovered there. Abandoned in the 12th century (except the southern low court, disused in the 13th century), the estate became a barony in the 14th century under the family of Tournebu, before passing to La Marzelière in the 17th century.

The remains, listed as historical monuments in 1988, illustrate the archaeological importance of the late Middle Ages castral mots. Accessible freely in the Grimbosq forest, the site benefited from consolidation work, with explanatory panels to guide visitors. His symbolic role continued until the modern era, long after his military abandonment.

The chapel of St. Andrew's Olivet, mentioned in the 12th century, and the traces of clearing around the castle testify to the seigneurial and peasant life linked to this place. The excavations also revealed attempts to farm the surrounding lands, reflecting the balance between military power and local economic development.

Future

Following the excavations, protective work was undertaken. The dry stone walls have been consolidated and wooden pieces arranged at the locations of the interior frame of the seigneurial house.

An explanatory panel and orientation table facilitate reading of the site.

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