Visit Essex Castle, Alderney, Channel Islands

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At the end of the reign of Henry VIII, in 1546 work was begun on building a fortification on the site that would become known as Essex Castle, the only remains are the current North and West walls of the fortification. 200 men worked to provide facilities for a garrison of 200 soldiers. The capture of Sark by the French in 1549 ensured the work would continue and additional funding was obtained. However, when Queen Mary came to the throne in 1554, the work was abandoned and dismantled, it was converted to a private residence for John Chamberlayne, the Lord of Alderney 1584–91. There followed a period when the Island was attacked by pirates or used by pirates as it was undefended.

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