Adam and the Viper

Legend tells that the Norman knight, Adam de Rupe, first known inhabitant of the castle, was warned that he would one day die from the bite of a viper. Determined to escape his fate, Adam chose a rocky, isolated place for his home and built Roch Castle high above the surrounding land, believing its height would keep him safe from the snakes below.

The prophecy stayed firmly in Adam’s mind. According to the tale, he retreated to the highest room of the castle, where he could avoid coming into contact with a viper. Food, clothing and firewood were brought up to him by his servants, and for months he remained safely inside the tower, waiting for the time of the prophecy to pass.

Then, just as Adam began to believe he had escaped his fate, it found its way to him. A viper had hidden among a bundle of firewood and was carried into the castle by a servant. As the logs warmed beside the fire, the snake emerged and bit Adam. The legend tells that the prophecy was fulfilled, despite all his efforts to escape it.