Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Marfontaine is presented in the form of a rectangle, divided into two distinct parts: one dedicated to housing and the other to the farm. This building, partially collapsed today, has inscriptions in over-cooked bricks visible on several of its walls. These architectural and decorative elements bear witness to its history and its transformations over the centuries.

The present castle was erected between 1617 and 1619 under the influence of Marguerite de Vaudier de Beaumont, widow of Jacques Raoult de Fay d'Athies, whose family had owned the estate since 1433. Remarried to François de Proissy, she oversees its construction, marking a period of renovation for this historic site. The village of Marfontaine, for its part, was mentioned in 1051 as the property of the bishop of Laon, Lietry, before passing into the hands of the family of Marfontaine in 1137, then of the family of Venderesse in 1383. These property changes reflect the feudal and seigneurial dynamics of the region.

In 1998, the castle was listed as historic monuments, recognizing its heritage value. This official protection underscores the importance of preserving this 17th and 18th century architectural testimony, while highlighting its role in local history. The brick inscriptions, characteristic of its construction, also offer clues on the techniques and materials used at the time.

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