Caen Castle — William Builds a Power Base
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Transcript
William, Duke of Normandy and later conqueror of England, established the castle in the eleventh century on high ground above Caen. The enclosure became one of the largest fortified complexes in Europe and housed ducal, royal and military functions across many later phases.
The castle was repeatedly altered because fortification technology and political needs changed. English kings, French kings and modern armies all used the site.
It is tempting to freeze the castle in 1066, but its historical value lies in continued adaptation. William chose the location; later rulers kept finding reasons to control it.