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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Selles is a former 11th century castle in Cambrai, northern department. It is a rare example of medieval military architecture in northern France. Since 1992, it has been home to the courthouse. Medieval remains, as well as facades and roofs of 18th century buildings, have been classified as historical monuments since 1981.

The first written mentions of the castle date from 1119, in a papal bubble evoking nearby mills. It was reportedly built between 1026 and 1080 by the bishops of Cambrai, Gérard I, Liébert and Gérard II, to defend the city and monitor its inhabitants. In 1270 Bishop Nicolas de Fontaines rebuilt it, and the remains visible today date from this period.

In the 16th century, the castle lost its defensive function after Charles-Quint built a citadel in 1543. He then served as a prison, then suffered damage during the siege of Cambrai by Louis XIV in 1677. In the 18th century, superstructures were razed to give way to military buildings, transformed into hospitals after 1813. These places welcomed wounded until 1940, before being restored to become the courthouse in 1992.

The castle is located northwest of Cambrai, on the right bank of the Scheldt. Its history reflects the military and urban evolutions of the region, from its medieval foundation to its modern uses.

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