Construction of dungeon XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Awarded to Henry II's half-brother
1er octobre 1941
Registration MH
Registration MH 1er octobre 1941 (≈ 1941)
Classification as historical monument
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Donjon (Reests of): entry by order of 1 October 1941
Key figures
Demi-frère d'Henri II - Suspected Sponsor
Construction assigned without certainty
Origin and history
The Donjon de Mortemer is an emblematic medieval vestige located in the municipality of the same name, in Seine-Maritime (Normandie). Dated from the 12th century, it stands on a 30 meters wide motte, dominating the Eaulne, a strategic location for the defense of the Duchy of Normandy. Its circular plan and its foothills reflect a typical feudal military architecture, designed to resist attacks and assert local power.
The construction of the dungeon is attributed to the half-brother of Henri II, although this paternity remains a historical hypothesis. The building, now partially in ruins, was listed as historic monuments on October 1, 1941, recognizing its heritage value. Its current state makes it possible to observe the foundations and structural elements, offering an overview of Norman fortification techniques of the twelfth century.
Integrated into a regional defence network, this dungeon illustrates the importance of castral mots in the Norman territorial organization. These fortifications served both as shelters, administrative centres and power symbols for local lords. The region, marked by the conflicts between the Duke of Normandy and the King of France, saw these buildings as a means of controlling the roads of communication and the surrounding agricultural lands.
