Collections of the Musée de Normandie Archaeological excavation sites

Grimbosq (Calvados), the motte-and-bailey castle

The castle of Olivet consists of a small hill in the form of an outcrop formed by the projection of the two steep-sided valleys. The motte, which occupies a central position, is framed by two courtyards. Of this arrangement all that survives today is a few mounds of earth and some remains of dry stone walls. During the 11^th century, this fortification, which had a very short history, was in the hands of the Taisson family, who had only just arrived in Normandy.
Excavations have found evidence of the character of the lordly residence at the site where the discovery of numerous items associated with horses as well as the presence of many gaming pieces and items of jewellery are an indication of the lifestyle of the group of feudal lords in the mid-11^th century.

 

Grimbosq (Calvados), motte-and-bailey castle : the archaeological finds

Horseshoes 11th century	Spurs 11th century	Arrow head 11th century
Chess piece 11th century	Backgammon piece 11th century	Hair removing tweezers 11th century
Knife 11th century	Sickle 11th century	Bridle bit 11th century
Harness buckles 11th century	Buckle 11th century