Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in Vannes, France, where a 640-year-old castle was found hidden beneath the courtyard of Hotel Lagorce. The castle, identified as the Château de l’Hermine, was built by John IV the Conqueror in the 1380s. The excavation, conducted in the spring and autumn of 2023, revealed the well-preserved remains of the medieval structure.
The National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research described the castle as a ducal house, measuring 42 meters long and 17 meters wide, with exceptionally thick walls. The site also featured a moat and a square tower, indicating the grandeur of the structure. Researchers were astonished by the level of preservation, with staircases, clothing, jewellery, coins, padlocks, and cooking pots unearthed from the site.
The archaeologists also found a staircase with a decorated core and three steps, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time. The moat yielded rich artifacts, including wooden items and fragments of barrels, thanks to the area’s humidity preserving the materials.
INRAP praised the management of the site, noting the construction’s single-phase execution, indicating the significant resources invested in the castle’s creation. The discovery sheds light on John IV’s ability to enlist the best engineers and craftsmen of his era.
This find adds to the historical significance of Vannes and highlights the rich heritage hidden beneath modern structures. The castle’s discovery underscores the importance of continued archaeological research in uncovering the secrets of the past.