Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Motte, located in Madré in the department of Mayenne, is mentioned in 1440 under the name La Motte Méhoudin. This fief, dependent on the Marquisat de Lassay, changed several times in designation over the centuries: La terre de la Mocte (1445), La Motte en Maidré (1513), then La Motte-Madré from 1769. Its history is closely linked to the family of Foulogne, noble lineage of the generality of Caen, who became its owner in 1646 and lived until the end of the seventeenth century.

The castle, rebuilt in 1780, was invaded on 28 July 1789 during the Great Fear: the Sieur de Foulogne and his notary, Mancel (or Mariel), suffered violence, while the Chartrier was burned. This monument, both seigneurial mansion and symbol of power, also houses a chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross, founded in 1513 by Jean de Prez. This chapel, intended for daily services, was opened to villagers in 1688 against a modest contribution.

The archives reveal a succession of lords and a local life rhythmized by religious and feudal obligations. Foulogne's family, whose weapons (three-fassed d'azur d'or, in the Gules band) are described, embodies the seigneurial authority until the Revolution. The site, mapped by Cassini as including castle, chapel and mill, illustrates the medieval and modern organization of a rural estate in Mayenne.

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