Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Beaucamps-le-Jeune has its origins in the 12th century with a mansion dependent on Aumale County. In the 16th century, the fief belonged to the family of Pisseleu: Guillaume de Pisseleu was lord in 1481, and his daughter Anne, a favourite of François I, might have initiated the construction of the present castle from 1537. After his disgrace in 1553, the estate passed to Charles de Runes, who continued the work until his death. The castle remained in its descendants until 1778, when it was sold to Sanson, local lords.

The building underwent several major expansions: stables in 1628, lodges in 1667, and stables in 1771. In the 20th century, Lazarist fathers added a wing and a tower in 1935. The castle then changed hands on several occasions: holiday colony for the bishopric of Amiens in the 1960s, occupation by an Emmaus community in 1985, then acquisition by the Sylla family in 2000, which launched its restoration. Since 2005, current owners, Eric Testelin and his wife, have been conducting a complete restoration of the oldest parts.

Architecturally, the castle combines feudal influences and Renaissance. Organised around a square courtyard, it retains an entrance chestnut with pepper roof towers, without defensive devices. The housing bodies, built of brick and stone with harp links, bear witness to the evolution towards a residential home. Interior houses 19th century woodwork and stucco. Ranked a historic monument in 2003 for its facades and roofs, the castle illustrates the noble history of Picardia, marked by families such as Pisseleu or Runes.

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