Les Jumeaux
Les Jumeaux (Norman-Walsch for The Twins) is a historic twin castle located just outside Quimper, the capital of Normandie. The fortress today serves as the official residence of Haute Cour de Normandie.
History
According to the Draco Normannicus, Les Jumeaux was built by Count Lionel of Normandie, who moved his capital from Quercy to Quimper in order to be closer to his continental holdings. The construction of the twin fortress was both a demonstration of the growing wealth and power of the House of Cáthau—strengthened by raids and territorial expansion—and a strategic necessity. It provided a stronghold against both the unruly populace of Quimper and disloyal vassals in the south.
Historically, ducal coronations were marked by a procession from Les Jumeaux to the Abbaye de la Sainte-Trinité de Quimper. In the absence of the Duke or Jarl, command of the fortress was vested in the Connétable des Jumeaux, a position of considerable power and prestige.
Les Jumeaux played a central role in Norman history, being besieged several times. Control of the fortress was considered essential to securing the Duchy. The castles were never taken by storm or siege, a fact that contributed to the longevity of House Cáthau's rule.
Decline and later history
In 1685, with the fall of Stormark, the Duchy of Normandie also collapsed. Les Jumeaux passed into the hands of various feudal lords before becoming part of the Hexarchian administrative unit of Lysstyrer.
In 1744, Theodoric van Orton reconstituted Normandie. Les Jumeaux underwent extensive restoration and served as a museum between 1744 and 1748. During the Quimper Resistance of 1745 the castle suffered minor damage. After a second restoration, in I.I.1748 it once again became the administrative and political heart of Normandie. In 1752 AN, the main administrative building of the Haute Cour de Normandie was moved here again.
Structure
Les Jumeaux consists of two large castles connected not only by a road but also by an elaborate network of underground tunnels, known as wormwalks or wormways. These passages allowed for secure and rapid movement between the two fortresses in times of war, at night, or in inclement weather.
See also
References
- Draco Normannicus (primary chronicle source)
