Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Cuzorn, located in the valley of the Lemance in Lot-et-Garonne, is mentioned for the first time in 1242 via an inscription found in the ruins of the Abbey of Belleperche. Its exact origin remains unknown, but its strategic location in a valley gully made it a key control place. In 1259, the local nobility paid tribute to the Count of Toulouse, and in 1270 documents attested to the existence of a castrum belonging to several co-seigneurs, including Amalvinus de Cuzorn, in conflict with the bishop of Agen. The castle is probably built between 1260 and 1270.

In 1271, the castle was recognized as belonging to the Baylie de Tournon, and in 1293 Auger de Cusorn held the rights of high and low justice. In the 14th century, after the Treaty of Brétigny (1360), the Agenese passed under English domination, and the castle was occupied by an English company that looted the surrounding area. In 1374, Hugues Renot, captain of Cuzorn, took part in the French reconquest of the Agenais alongside Bertrand Du Guesclin. The castle remained under English occupation until 1442, when it was besieged and dismantled by the senechal of Quercy, putting an end to its military function.

After 1442, the seigneury of Cuzorn passed into the hands of the Lézergues family, then of the Gontaut de Saint-Geniès in the 16th century. Étienne de Gontaut, Baron of Cuzorn and Protestant, died in 1597, leaving the castle to his son Jean, who married Jeanne de Pierrebussière in 1603. The monument, partially destroyed during the Revolution (1793-1794), was sold as national property and changed several times in the 19th century. In 1950, its ruins were classified as Historic Monument. Today, the remains of the dungeon and enclosure remain, while the property is shared between the municipality and individuals.

Architecturally, the castle is characterized by a 13th century square dungeon, built on a rocky spur, accompanied by remains of a castral chapel and a 12th century room. Major changes include partial reconstruction after 1442 and revolutionary destruction. The site, acquired by religious congregations in the 19th century, became a school before being sold in 1953 to Georges Rastel, then in 1995 to Thierry Delrieu.

Key figures include medieval co-teachers such as Amalvinus de Cuzorn, Captains Hugues Renot (1374) and Pierre de Cuzorn (15th century), as well as noble families such as the Gontaut and the Aydie. Historical sources, including notarial acts and wills, reveal fragmented seigneury and recurring conflicts, including with the English and ecclesiastical authorities.

External links