Fort de la Conchée, Saint-Malo, France

Fort de la Conchée is an island fortification constructed by Sebastien Vauban. In 1689 Vauban conducted an inspections of French coastal fortifications for King Louis XIV, who wished to strengthen and improve the country's defences. In 1693 whilst the fort was being constructed the English raided the town. They landed on Conchée where they slighted the works and captured those working on the fort.

Again in 1695 the English, with their Dutch allies, attacked the fortress. Though the fort was unfinished, ten guns had been installed, which permitted the French to repulse the attack. The battery then turned its guns on the main attacking fleet causing much damage to it. The fort was finally finished in 1705. The fortress was demilitarised in 1901.

During the Second World war the Germans used the abandoned fort for target practice. The Allies then attacked the fort during St Malo's liberation.

The fort covers almost the entire island. The fortress consists of a granite two-storey structure, with an upper terrace for the fort's armament.

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Castles and fortifications in France

Inverness Castle

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.

Fred TRINQUIER (3 years ago)
Vauban's jewel Magical

Michel (4 years ago)
50 mn by kayak from St Malo.

Benjamin (5 years ago)
Magnificent work of our heritage. Thanks to the volunteers!

sylvie bretille (5 years ago)
Bravo for this beautiful restoration

Pierrick Legay (6 years ago)
Very good to visit. Well received. Guide well

Fort de la Conchée

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