05 February 2008

Château of Roquebrune - Guardhouse: the Archers' Room


The Archers' Room was dug out entirely from the puddingstone rock and remains in its original condition. At the entrance to the room there used to be a trapdoor and ladder which led to the upper floor of the castle. This doesn't exist any more.

In the 14th century the Castellan (a non-commissioned officer) was in charge of the fortress for the Lord - with just 6 crossbow men. It was a hard life, no women or children, just soldiers living in bleak conditions.

When the Lord visited the castle, the Castellan would sleep in this room. Tomorrow we'll see the Armoury which is where the Nobleman slept in a four-poster bed when he visited the castle.

If you want to read about the night the Monaco Royal family and others (including my friend Candy and me) nearly went up in flames please look at today's Monte Carlo Daily Photo.

15 comments:

  1. It makes you glad to have been born in the 20th century. What hardships they experienced.

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  2. It doesnt look much different than the prison, except for the comfy beds.

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  3. I am following this series with a great deal of interest. I like the photos you are taking.

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  4. I'm enjoying this series very much, Jilly. I have got to make it over there. . .I will, however, prefer more comfy accommodations.

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  5. Nice guided tours. Ancient buildings seem to be well built and solid with not so sophiscated machines.

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  6. Jilly, I think that young children would love to use this room as a play area. Spending the night? Hmm! That might be another matter.

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  7. Talk about bleak. They probably slept fully clothed year round. Real comfy!

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  8. Gosh, you cannot even stand in this room! Happy to live in the 20th century!!!

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  9. I love the curve of the room, and the colors of the stones. it would be great to have been around when these places were built, to see how it was done.

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  10. I find it so hard to imagine anything that old. Fascinating!

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  11. Guards or prisoners, they seemed to have one star acommodation!

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  12. my first visit here and i had to check the whole series out so now i will have to come back and check you out again. Very interesting

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  13. Hi Jilly, this looks about as accommodating as yesterday's prison!

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  14. That must not have been very comfortable! Poor archers :-)

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