Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Bonnetière, located in the commune of La Chaussée (Vienna), finds its origins in the 13th century as a defensive fortress of Loudunais. At the time, it consisted of four towers connected by buildings, forming a protected inner courtyard. In June 1350 he suffered an English attack in which he was partially burned, resulting in the destruction of three of his buildings. This strategic site, marked by medieval architectural traces, illustrates the conflicts of the Hundred Years War in the region.

In the 17th century, the Vaucelles family undertook a major restoration of the castle, transforming the former fortress into a residence. A century later, the Marreau de Boisguerin added two pavilions to the entrance, modernizing its appearance. The octagonal pigeon tree, dated from the 14th century and capable of sheltering 1,300 pigeons, is a rare vestige of Loudunais. Ranked a historic monument in 1987, it reflects the economic and symbolic importance of these agricultural structures in the Middle Ages. The chapel of the castle today hosts an exhibition retracing its history.

The additions of the 19th century, such as the wings in return, reflect an evolution towards a residential and agricultural vocation. The adjoining buildings, still visible, recall its past role as a seigneurial autarchic domain. The dovecote, with its intact bolts and swivel ladder, offers a preserved example of medieval colombophily techniques. Its listing in the inventory of historical monuments highlights its heritage value, both architectural and historical.

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