Page "County of Tripoli" Paragraph 2

The Count of Toulouse began constructing a large castle set on a ridge he named " Mount Pilgrim ", a few miles from Tripoli itself.

The fort is still known locally as Qal ' at Sanjil, or " Saint Giles ' castle " in reference to Raymond.

The castle remained in Christian hands between 1103 and 1289, longer than any other in the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Even with an intimidating fortress and seasoned troops, the siege wore on, outlasting even Raymond who died on 25 February 1105.

However, the various components of the siege remained united, such was the lure of the port.

It was a strategic link between the French in the south, and the Normans in the north.