Seeking info on Caen Normandy

[wb926]

Hi, 'm working on a novel dealing with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and I need some information about the town of Caen. I'm trying to establish the exact distance of the castle of William the Conqueror from the River Orne, whether there was a direct road to the riverbank from the castle, whether there was any bridge leading over the river, and whether there was a beach or woodland/prairie along the riverbank in the 11th century. I've found some old maps but they don't answer my questions with specificity. I'm also looking for info on the portion of Caen called the Ilse de St.Jean. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! E-mail me at wbill926@aol.com.

[Catherine Delors]

I grew up there! See this map:
http://wikimapia.org/8656490/fr/L-Ile-Saint-Jean

The (huge) Chateau is quite a distance from the Orne River, but you would have to trace the Odon, which now runs underground... Not a problem if you have period maps.