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Origin and history

Mansencôme Castle, built in the early 14th century in Gers (Occitanie), is a typical example of gasconne castral architecture. Raised near Valencia-sur-Baïse, it is part of the defensive system established at the end of the 13th century along the Anglo-French border. Its rectangular plan, flanked by two square towers at the east and west ends, reflects the military needs of the era, with cruciform archeries still visible today.

The Lasseran family, the owner of the site for centuries, is deeply marking its history. As early as 1319, Vital de Lasseran paid tribute to the Count of Armagnac, sealing the feudal anchor of the castle. In 1636 Louis XIII erected the land in barony, consolidating its prestige. In the 18th century, the Marquis François de Lasseran-Monluc sold the estate in 1736 for 20,000 pounds to the Marquis Gaspard de Maniban, who tried to renovate it because of lack of funds. The Lasseran-Monluc finally recover the castle through their right of redemption.

After the Revolution, the castle changed hands several times and gradually became obsolete. Despite interior modifications in the 19th century and the destruction of its ancient coronations, it retains remarkable medieval elements, such as trulobed geminous windows on the third floor. Since 5 November 1927, he has been a member of the historical monuments and today bears witness to the architectural and seigneurial heritage of the medieval Biscay.

The castle also illustrates the evolution of residential needs: the original murderers and archeries were replaced by wider bays in later times, reflecting the shift from a purely defensive function to a more residential use. Historical sources, such as the works of Philippe Lauzun or Jacques Gardelles, underline his role in the network of "gascon castles" of Condomois and Lectourois.

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