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Origin and history

Ampoigné Castle, also known as the Castle of the Court, is a building located at the entrance of the municipality of Ampoigné, in Mayenne, near the parish church. Its history dates back to the 13th century, where the site was already fortified by Angelian feudal families. The Ampoigné family, whose coats of arms were silver with six-piece mouths, was the first known owner, from the 11th to the 13th century. These lords were to pay tribute to Château-Gontier and guard the Saint-Rémy gate.

At the beginning of the 17th century, the family of Heliand, from the local nobility, built the present castle on the remains of the old fortress. This building, with a pavilion and monumental staircase, was enlarged in the 18th century by the addition of an independent house. Both parts of the castle, as well as its entrance turrets, were listed as historical monuments in 1987.

The lords of Ampoigné were succeeded among several influential families, such as the Cheorchins (XIIIth–XIVth centuries), the Tour Landry (XVth–XVIth centuries), and the Maillés of the Tower Landry. In 1609 John d'Héliand, king's secretary, acquired the seigneury and built the present castle there. His descendants, such as René d'Héliand (1601–59), captain of infantry and governor of Verdun, marked the history of the place. A 17th century legend even evokes an alleged gold mine in the castle well, never confirmed.

The castle then passed to the family of Champagné in 1885. Its architecture, combining Renaissance and classical elements, reflects the transformations associated with the social ascent of royal officers after the Wars of Religion. The triangular pediment, the round turrets surrounding the gate, and the double ramp stairway are remarkable examples of this.

The interior retains a monumental staircase with an original crawling arch, while the outer pediment bears the traces of a mutilated shield. The castle, although private, remains a symbol of the seigneurial and architectural heritage of Mayenne, linked to the history of the local noble families and the political evolutions of Anjou and Maine.

Finally, the site is also known for a picturesque anecdote: in 1688 Jean Leroux, a former officer, claimed to have discovered gold in the well of the castle. A summary investigation was conducted, but no exploitation followed, leaving doubt about the reality of this gold mine or a simple iron sulphide with golden reflections.

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