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Founded: c. 1180Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Late Capetians (France)
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Château de Saint-Jean-d'Angle was probably built in the 12th century, probably by Guillaume de Lusignan who belonged to one of the most powerful families of the Poitou region. From 1406 to the 17th century, the castle remained in the hands of the Saint-Gelais family, a younger branch of the de Lusignan family. The residence adjoining the original rampart dates back to the Renaissance.
In 1994, Alain Rousselot, a businessman from La Rochelle bought the site with the intention of saving it. Today it is open to the public and hosts a medieval theme park.
Inverness Castle sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness. The red sandstone structure evident today was built in 1836 by architect William Burn. It is built on the site of an 11th-century (c. 1057) defensive structure. Today, it houses Inverness Sheriff Court.
The castle is said to have been built by Máel Coluim III of Scotland, after he had razed to the ground the castle in which Macbeth of Scotland according to much later tradition, murdered Máel Coluim"s father Donnchad I of Scotland, and which stood on a hill around 1 km to the north-east.
The first Inverness Castle was partially destroyed by King Robert I of Scotland and a replacement castle was sacked in the 15th century by the Clan Donald during the Siege of Inverness (1429). The castle was occupied during the Raid on Ross in 1491.
In 1548 another castle with tower was completed by George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly (1514–1562). He was constable of the castle until 1562.