Back in the 4th century, Cherbourg was a fortified Roman military camp know as Corallium, but recent excavations have uncovered vestigial evidence that suggests habitation at earlier periods as far back as the megalithic.

Saint Eriptiole, first bishop of Coutances, is said to have evangelised the region during the 5th century.

The Cherbourg chateau is only mentioned in documentation after the 11th century but the fact William the Conqueror established an aid system for the poor at Hotel Dieu in 1053 is evidence that this town was already by then considered an important centre. Given its strong fortifications, Cherbourg became the grounds of many a battle during the Hundred Years' War.

Reclaimed by France in 1450, the city and its castle are consolidated and fortified by Vauban in the 17th century. The town was captured by the Germans in 1940 and was occupied until 1944.