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Origin and history

Bouillancourt-en-Séry Castle, located in the Picard village of Vimeu, is an emblematic monument dating back to the early thirteenth century. Built by the Counts of Cayeu, it was originally used as a defensive fortress to protect the Bresle valley. From this medieval era, only two round towers remain today, vestiges of the original hexagonal building, equipped at the time with a circular tower at each angle. This castle, without a dungeon, was a strategic bastion in an area marked by conflict, especially during the Hundred Years War, where it was attacked in 1433.

Over the centuries, the castle changed owners several times, reflecting the political and social dynamics of the region. After belonging to the Cayeu family until the 15th century, it was sold in 1435 to Jean de Bourgogne, marking the beginning of a series of successive transactions. Its owners include influential families such as d'Etampes, Mailly's, Gonzague-Nevers, and Rambures. In the 17th century, part of the castle was destroyed, and in the 18th century, a body of brick and stone houses was built in support of the two remaining towers, transforming the medieval fortress into a residence more adapted to modern uses. A farm with stables and dovecote was added in the 19th century on the site of the former courtyard.

Bouillancourt-en-Séry Castle also played a role in more recent events, such as the Second World War, during which a nearby V1 launch site was bombed by the Allies. In 2001, the monument was inscribed in the Historical Monuments for its facades, roofs, and archaeological floors of the former lower yard. Since 2020, it has been bought by individuals to create a third-place heritage site, supported by initiatives such as the Bern Mission and the Fabrique de Territoires program. In 2024, he welcomed the Olympic flame in the framework of the Olympic Games in Paris, highlighting its anchor in contemporary cultural life.

The castle is closely linked to local history, especially that of the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Séry, founded in 1127 by Anselme de Cayeu. The monks of this abbey contributed to the clearing of the surrounding woods, giving its present name to the village: Bouillancourt-en-Séry. The seigneury of Bouillancourt, owned by the Cayeus, maintained close ties with this abbey, illustrating the importance of religious and seigneurial institutions in the medieval organization of the region. Today, the castle hosts exhibitions, concerts and artist residences, perpetuating its central role in the cultural and heritage life of the village.

Architecturally, the castle consists of a body of rectangular houses on three levels, backed by the two medieval towers still standing. These elements reflect the evolution of the monument from a purely defensive function to a residential and cultural vocation. Archaeological excavations carried out in the 19th and 2023 centuries helped to better understand its history and transformations. The site, open to the public, is part of a process of valuing local heritage, while adapting to contemporary issues of preservation and transmission of history.

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