Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Trancalou Castle, also known as Trankalou or Morteville, is located in Deux-Évailles in Mayenne, near the wood of Brée. Its origins date back at least to the 13th century, where it served as a hunting relay for the Laval family. The name Morteville appears in medieval texts, especially in connection with the death of Robert I of Alençon in 1217, husband of Emma of Laval, which occurred in this manerium according to the chronicles of Pierre Le Baud and the cartulars of the time. Subsequent sources, such as those of Charles Maucourt de Bourjolly, confirm this location, despite historical debates on other sites such as Mautaillé.

The castle is mentioned under various names over the centuries: Maneir dou Drong au lou (1292), Troncalou (1440), or Francalou (ruiné). He belonged to Guy VIII of Laval after his marriage to Jeanne de Brienne in 1270, and was passed on to farmers such as Jean du Tronc au loup in 1394. The texts describe a moving fief of the Montsûrs chestnut, with architectural remains suggesting a square structure flanked by four towers, one of which partially remains. The remaining tower, divided into two floors, has square openings on the ground floor and round openings on the floor.

In the 17th century, the estate was sold to Ambroise Le Cornu (1602), then acquired by Charles de Montesson in 1664. The ruins are finally associated with the Brée chestnut. In 1829, the surrounding lands, including the wood of Brée and the Trancalous farms, were purchased by Alexandre Bourdon du Rocher. In 1887 Georges Gamard, MP for Mayenne, built a new castle inspired by English architecture, marking the end of the medieval history of the site.

Historical sources, such as the Mémoires de Bourjolly or the work of Abbé Angot, underline the role of Trancalou as a hunting and seigneurial residence. The debates on his identification with Morteville, the deathplace of Robert d'Alençon, illustrate his importance in local history. The present, albeit partial, remains bear witness to its fortified past and its link with the great noble families of the region.

The Morteveveille family, originally from the Coëvrons, is mentioned in the texts from the 16th century, without direct connection to the castle. The archives also evoke feudal obligations, such as the annual transport of wine between Gérigné and Trancalou, reflecting economic activities related to the estate. Successive sales in the 18th and 19th centuries transformed the site from medieval ruin to agricultural property and then modern residence.

External links