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Origin and history

The castle of Roussy-Seigneurie is part of a set of two castles in Roussy-le-Village, Moselle, alongside the castle of Roussy-Comté. Its origin dates back to the 13th century, with a south tower (donjon) still visible today. In the 14th century, the courtyards and four towers were rebuilt, while a house was backed by the west court in the 16th century. Major developments took place in the 18th century, including an entrance gate, a well, and Italian staircases, reflecting the architectural changes and residential needs of the era.

The seigneury of Roussy, distinct from the neighbouring county, was owned by a younger branch of the former lords of Roussy. The latter retained part of the village and one of the two castles of Roussy-le-Bourg, despite the successive fragmentations of their heritage. The castle was partially transformed in the 19th century for agricultural purposes, illustrating its adaptation to local activities. Its inscription in the Historical Monuments in 1988 (for Roussy-Seigneurie) and 1997 (for Roussy-Comté) underscores its heritage importance, linked to feudal history and the territorial conflicts of Lorraine.

The site is marked by military events, such as the resistance of the soldiers of the Mobile Republican Guard (GRM) in May 1940, who tried to slow down the German invasion by dynamiting a strategic crossroads near the castle. Freed in 1944 by the troops of General Patton, Roussy-le-Village integrated from the Way of Liberty, marked by memorials. These elements recall the geopolitical role of the region, bordering with Luxembourg and crossed by ancient Roman routes, such as the one linking Metz to Trier.

Architecturally, the castle combines defensive features (donjon, courtines) and residential features (logis, stairs). The well of 1746, carried by Philippe de Custines, and the agricultural parts of the 19th century testify to its functional evolution. The recent restoration (2023) of the nearby Fort House, the Maginot Line, reinforces the historical attraction of the site, crossing the Middle Ages, modern times and contemporary conflicts.

The duality between the seigneury of Roussy (linked to the former local lords) and the county of Roussy (passed into the hands of Luxembourg, then the Manderscheid and Koenigseck) explains the divisions of the territory and castles. The county moved from the king of France in 1701, and possessed high, medium and low justice. The county's weapons, initially deazur with two silver-backed fish, were replaced by those of Luxembourg (lion de gules) after its attachment to this house. This complex history is reflected in the structures still visible today.

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