Tour audio 02 - The outer bailey

People could reach the outer bailey over a single footbridge. Surrounded by moats filled with water and in the XI and XII centuries, the outer bailey was protected by a talus topped with a wooden palisade. It was the place where villagers could take refuge in the event of an attack. 

It was a vibrant place for the farmers of the castle who were farming the land of the landlord, and taking care of the cattle.

The significance of farming is immediately obvious. The outer bailey comprises a farm, a dovecot and a barn, forming a very fine example of constructions of the region and was built, using timber panelling. 

As Crèvecoeur was located in boggy ground, working the land was quite difficult. This, therefore, could possibly explain the origin of the word “Crèvecoeur”. Working the land was heartbreak for the peasant.