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Origin and history

Aussillon Castle, located in Tarn in Occitanie, is an ancient castle probably built in the 11th century. It was first mentioned in 1060 as Auxillou or Auxilhou, and served as a refuge for the inhabitants of the neighbouring village in case of attack. At that time, the local lord, vassal of the Viscount of Lautrec, defended it with a small garrison.

In the 12th century, the seigneury passed to the family of Hautpoul, which kept the castle until the 18th century. In 1167, it was already under their control. In the 16th century, Georges d'Hautpoul, lord of the place, ascribed his wife's coat of arms, from Mauléon's family, during the renovation work. During the Wars of Religion (1572), the castle was taken by the Huguenots after a trick: three soldiers disguised as peasants infiltrated the fortress.

In 1739 and 1759 the Marquis Joseph-Marie of Hautpoul was again mentioned as lord, but in 1770 the estate was seized and entrusted to Louise de Rotolp, wife of the Lord of Burlats. Architecturally, the U-shaped castle around a central courtyard had a well (today filled) and underground, possibly used as dungeons. Today, only remains remain, including the entrance gate and facade elements integrated into the current homes.

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