Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Goué, located in Fougerolles-du-Plessis in Mayenne, finds its origins at the beginning of the fourteenth century with a first seigneurial dwelling. Today, there remains only a large round tower and its adjoining walls, testimonies of this medieval era. The site was entirely rebuilt in 1519 by Thomas de Goué, then enlarged around 1650, adopting an architecture evoking a sitting lion and a Louis XIII style facade.

The monument experienced several episodes of looting and destruction. In February 1517, Patrice de Goué obtained a monitor against criminals who had ransacked the castle. In April 1615 he was sacked by the soldiers of the regiment of the Knight of Nedain and attacked on 18 July 1794 by national guards. These vicissitudes illustrate the political and military turbulence that marked his history.

The château de Goué has been listed in the historic monuments since 13 November 1973, a protection that also includes a ceiling and classified interior decorations. This status underscores its heritage importance, both for its architecture and for its turbulent history, linked to the Goue family and local conflicts.

The symbolism of the castle, compared to a seated lion, and its architectural evolution reflect the transformations of seigneurial residences between the Middle Ages and the modern era. Its official inscription enshrines its historical and artistic value, while preserving the traces of the different eras that shaped it.

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