France - Falaise, Château Guillaume-le-Conquérant

Château Guillaume-le-Conquérant (Castle of William the Conqueror or Falaise Castle) is located on a rocky outcrop above the town. The first stone castle on this site was built between 962 and 1020, most likely by Richard II of Normandy. Around 1027, Richard II's grandson, William the Conqueror, was born in this castle. He would become the first Norman king of England.

The current castle was built in 1123 by Henry I of England on the remains of its predecessor. The main castle consists of three keeps. The oldest is the large quadrangular keep, built by Henry I. The other two were added in the 12th and 13th centuries.

During the Hundred Years' War, between 1337 and 1453, Falaise Castle changed hands several times. At the end of the 16th century, the castle was severely damaged after a siege. The castle was abandoned in the 17th century and subsequently fell into disrepair. In August 1944, the castle complex was largely destroyed after fierce fighting between Allied and German troops during the “Battle of the Falaise Pocket”.

In 1840 it was declared a monument historique.
Between 1987 and 1997, Falaise Castle was completely restored, using a lot of concrete and steel.
Today, the castle is still the landmark of Falaise.