Construction of the castle vers 1755 (≈ 1755)
Sponsored by Marc-Antoine Le Pellerin de Gauville.
1761
Death of sponsor
Death of sponsor 1761 (≈ 1761)
Interior decoration still in progress after his death.
14 septembre 1964
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 14 septembre 1964 (≈ 1964)
Protection of the castle, courtyard, moats and outbuildings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Castle itself with its court of honor and moats; buildings of the communes located on both sides of the central aisle; dovecoier (cad. F 48, 44, 54): entry by order of 14 September 1964
Key figures
Marc-Antoine Le Pellerin de Gauville - Marshal and Marquis
Sponsor and first owner of the castle.
Louis XV - King of France
The land of Gauville was erected as a marquisat.
Origin and history
Gauville Castle is a classical style residence built around 1755 for Marc-Antoine Le Pellerin de Gauville, Marshal of Camp and Governor of Neuf-Brisach. The latter had obtained from Louis XV the erection of his land in marquisat, which probably motivated the construction of this castle, symbol of its new status. The interior decoration continued after his death in 1761, suggesting an ambitious construction site and a desire for prestige.
Located 2 km south-east of the church of Saint-Pierre, on the commune of Saint-Pierre-de-Cernières in the department of Eure, the castle is part of an estate comprising a courtyard of honour, moats, communes and a pigeon house. These elements, characteristic of the seigneurial residences of the time, testify to a spatial organization designed to impress and affirm a social hierarchy. The complex has been partially listed as historical monuments since 1964.
Gauville Castle reflects the classic architecture of the 18th century, marked by symmetry, strict lines and a search for sober elegance. His history is closely linked to that of his sponsor, Marc-Antoine Le Pellerin, whose military career and social ascent are reflected in the stones of the building. The protection of historic monuments covers not only the castle itself, but also its outbuildings, emphasizing the heritage importance of the whole.
The available sources, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, confirm its status as a historical monument and specify the protected elements: the castle with its courtyard of honor and moats, the communes, as well as the pigeon house. These architectural and historical details make it a representative example of the Norman aristocratic residences of the Old Regime.
