The ramparts

Stretching from the Easternmost part of the city and protected by a strong gate, the gate St Hilaire, the city ramparts turn towards the South and then turn sharply towards the West following the vast swampy zone created by the river AUBETTE, they follow this line for several hundred metres further towards the gate of MARTAINVILLE where a frequently strengthened defensive tower, the COLOMBIER tower is erected on the corner.

In the 15th and 16th centuries Rouen was frequently besieged and the attacks were concentrated in this area.During the hundred years’ war, the city was besieged by Henry V, king of England then by Charles VII, king of France. During the wars of religion, under the leadership of Charles IX and with the royal catholic troops of the Duc de Guise, the king of Navarre, Charles de Bourbon, father of Henry IV died from his wounds under the walls of the city. The walls collapsed and the protestant city was stormed. thirty years later, the city was attacked and on several occasions by Henry IV of France, notably during the sieges of 1589 and 1592. these battles leave the city in deep and lasting ruins.

At the beginning of the 17th century, peace was restored.The paupers office, le “bureau des pauvres” bought a few houses in order to acquire land to erect a vast building, which forms the core of the Charles Nicolle hospital as we know it today. The plot of land was narrow, bordered by the city walls, the river ROBEC and the CELESTINS convent.Little by little le bureau des pauvres became the General hospital consolidating its land base but remaining restricted by the city walls and the swamp.

In the 18th century, the city is no longer fortified; Most if the city walls and the gates were demolished to make way for the wide boulevards which were created, among which figures the Gambetta boulevard.The space available for the hospital doubled which allowed for the construction of a large chapel,built facing the new boulevard, a large vegetable garden and for new buildings. the former raparts were converted into a pleasant walkway within the confines of the hospital.