Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Fontirou, cited as Monboira (Monberols variant) in 1259, belonged to Armand de Fauguerolles and his brother Gaufred. This fief, located at the foot of the hill of Truffe on the municipality of Castella, is mentioned in an oath of fidelity to the Baylie of Penne in 1271. His medieval history remains poorly known, but archives attest to his role in local conflicts.

In the 15th century, the seigneury passed to the family of Cours, originally from Agenas. In 1514, Bernard de Cours was the Lord, as the will of Antoine de Cours, parish priest and co-Lord of Lamaurelle attests. The castle then changed hands by alliances or confiscations, reflecting the political turbulence of the time.

In 1526 Robert de Godailh, receiver of the sizes and treasurer of Agenas, became lord of Fontirou after his marriage to Gillette de Sevin. Accused of misappropriation and converted to Protestantism, he was hanged in 1555 on the denunciation of a cousin. His confiscated property was sold to Diane de Poitiers before being redeemed by his sons, Jehan and Loys de Godailh. The dungeon was then fortified with a enclosure and round towers during the Wars of Religion.

The castle, taken and taken back between Catholics and Protestants in 1575, remained in the hands of the Godailh until the 17th century. The family of Latour, by alliance with Marie de Godailh, brings to it facilities (windows, fireplace) to make it habitable. Abandoned in the 19th century, it is now reduced to its dungeon and remains classified as Historic Monument in 1990.

The archives also reveal links with local figures, such as Pierre de Latour, consul of Agen in 1671, or Gratien de Latour, killed during a revolt against the gabelle in 1635. The seigneury finally passed to the Sevin in 1753, before being sold in 1861. The excavations and cadastre of 1820 confirm the gradual disappearance of the buildings, with the exception of the dungeon.

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