Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of the Granges, located in Escurolles in Allier, is a medieval building built around 1468 by Durand Fradet, squire of King Louis XI. This fortified castle, surrounded by moat and equipped with four towers, murderers and a drawbridge, reflected a typical 15th century defensive architecture. The property included a main building for residential and defensive use, as well as a second house connected by an inner tower, all organized around a square courtyard of 50 × 50 meters.

In 1586 Gilbert Fradet, great-grandson of the builder, sold the castle to Charles de Caponni. In the seventeenth century, the defensive function was abandoned, marked by the construction of a barn through the moat. During the French Revolution, the castle was confiscated and partially defeodized: the ditches were filled, the southern defences destroyed, and the feudal symbols erased by order of Commissioner Antoine Cariol in 1794. Despite these changes, medieval elements remain, such as murderers, partial moats, and a basket handle door.

In the 19th century, the castle was transformed into a farm, with the addition of barns-stables in the courtyard and modifications of the openings. In 1980, new owners restored it to their residence and installed a traditional carpentry workshop (Atelier des Granges). Since 1983, the castle has been listed as historical monuments, preserving its original facades, roofs, moats, and fireplaces. A wall painting depicting a 15th century soldier in armor was discovered during restorations.

The castle illustrates the evolution of a strong medieval farm house, then in private residence, while keeping traces of its defensive past. His history was marked by figures such as Durand Fradet, its founder, and François de Reclesne, guillotined in 1794 for his opposition to the Revolution. Today, it combines historical heritage and artisanal activity, perpetuating its link with the Bourbon region.

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