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Origin and history

The Château d'Hérisson is an ancient castle built in the 11th century on a rocky hill overlooking the Aumance, tributary of the Cher, in the department of Allier. Originally owned by the Sires de Bourbon under the suzeraineté of the Counts of Champagne, he supervised a strategic ford and a crossroads of ancient ways. The site, probably fortified by the Wisigothic invasion, housed a square dungeon and a second smaller, before being enlarged in the 14th century by Duke Louis II of Bourbon, who strengthened his defences with additional fortifications.

During the Fronde (1648-1653), the castle was taken by the supporters of the prince of Condé, then taken over by the royal troops loyal to the Count of Saint-Géran, governor of Bourbonnais. In 1652, by order of Mazarin, he was dismantled and then served as a quarry stone for the inhabitants of Hérisson. The ruins, now classified as historical monuments (1986), were acquired by the city in 1983 after belonging to noble families such as the Condé or the Duke of Aumale, then to the Touring Club of France in the 20th century.

The castle originally consisted of nine towers, including a 14th century square dungeon crowned with mâchicoulis, surrounded by courtines and a fortified lower court. A description of 1569 by Nicolas de Nicolaÿ evokes houses, a chapel dedicated to Saint Ligier, and advanced defenses like false-brayes. The current remains, partially restored by a local association since 2006, include enclosures flanked by cylindrical towers and imposing arches up to 2.50 m high. The adjacent village, surrounded by a wall, also preserves traces of its medieval fortifications.

The history of the castle reflects its key role in the governance of the Duchy of Bourbon, notably under the Dukes of Bourbon who made it a seat of chestnut in the 13th century. After centuries of abandonment and re-use as a career, its preservation is now ensured by the association Safeguarding the feudal castle of Hérisson, under the control of the Historical Monuments. A medal representing the castle adorns even the Academician sword of Gaston Leduc, native economist of Hérisson.

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