Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Lucheux was built around 1120 by Hugues II de Campdavaine, Count of Saint-Pol, on a pre-existing castral motte attributed to Baudouin I of Flanders in the 9th century. The first written mention dates from 1147, marking the construction of a square stone dungeon on the motte. Hugues IV de Campdavaine, returning from the third crusade in 1192, reinforced the defences with mâchicoulis along the enclosure. At his death in 1205 the seigneury passed to Gaucher III de Châtillon, participating in the battle of Bouvines in 1214.

In the 13th century, Guy III de Châtillon-Saint-Pol transformed the dungeon into a circular tower flanked by four turrets and built a large hall and a chapel, making Lucheux a popular residence. The castle welcomed Philip IV the Bel twice. During the Hundred Years War, he suffered several English assaults (notably after Azincourt in 1415) and was repaired by Pierre I of Luxembourg-Saint-Pol. Louis de Luxembourg, a connétable of Saint-Pol, received Charles the Témeraire there in 1462 and Louis XI in 1464, before his execution in 1475.

The sixteenth century marked a decline with repeated seats: the Imperials of Charles Quint in 1522, the Spanish in 1552, and the Protestants in 1567. In 1594-1595 the Spanish troops burned down part of the castle, which was partially repaired by Jean Bullant. Richelieu ordered its dismantling in 1640. In the 19th century, the ruins were abandoned before being classified as a historical monument in 1965. Today, the site belongs to the Picardie Antiquary Society.

The remains include an ovoidal enclosure of 2 hectares divided into low and high courtyard. The upper courtyard houses the remains of the 13th century dungeon, a 12th century square base surmounted by a round tower, as well as a large 13th century Gothic hall with gemini windows. The lower courtyard preserves the "Porte du Bourg", a 14th-century chestnut with two round pepper towers, and mâchicoulis influenced by the crusades. The "Porte du Haut-Bois", an ancient Romanesque poter, shows traces of medieval reconstructions.

The residential character of the castle is attested by the presence of a chapel, a garden, and an orchard, while its military role is emphasized by the complex archeries and defensive systems. The successive changes reflect architectural developments, from the eastern influences brought back from the crusades to the defensive adaptations in the face of conflicts (the Hundred Years War, the Wars of Religion).

External links