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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of Marcq, located in the eponymous village of the Ardennes, is in reality an imposing bourgeois house built in the eighteenth century. Although described as a "castle", its modest architecture – seven-spaned houses, stone-enriched red brick facades, and high-top roof – brings it closer to the homes of forge masters or wealthy landowners in the area. The date of 1760, carved on the entrance gate, probably corresponds to the completion of its construction. Its style combines elements from the 17th century (roof) and 18th century (main elevation), reflecting a characteristic architectural transition.

Attributed to Nicolas Dérué (1718–77), lord of Marcq and master of the forges of Champigneulle, the castle was passed on by successive feminine heritage: from the Dérué to the Guérin, then to the Brizard, Delbeck, Mercier, Docquin and finally Breton. These families, mostly local farmers or landowners (with the exception of the Docquin, brewers in Sedan), made it a symbol of the Ardennes rural heritage. During the two world wars, the site served as a prison camp for the Germans, who even built amirador there in 1941. The conflicts partially damaged the wings of the court, rebuilt after 1918.

Ranked a historic monument in 2002, the castle benefited from a major restoration between 2009 and 2011, supervised by the architect of the Bâtiments de France. The work allowed to restore the masonries, the openings of the facades, as well as the stone steps and steps of Jeaumont, while preserving its original character. Today it is privately owned and bears witness to the industrial and agricultural history of the Ardennes, as well as to the upheavals linked to the wars of the twentieth century. Its central passage, equipped with a carriageway and pedestrian door, recalls its role as a place of life and work in the heart of the village.

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