Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Gratien, located in the Somme near d的Amiens, is a neo-classical madness built in the late eighteenth century. Commanded in 1786 by Jean-Baptiste Jourdain de Thieulloy, former mayor of Amiens, he replaced a 17th-century building partially preserved for the commons. The architect Jacques-Pierre-Jean Rousseau designed a body of rectangular chalk houses, decorated with sculptures by François-Joseph Gruau, inspired by Rousseau's drawings. The works were completed in 1789, and the chapel was inaugurated in 1793.

The estate originally belonged to the family of Saint-Gratien, then to the May echevinal families (15th century) and Saint-Delis (16th century), before moving to the Hirzel, Swiss Protestants. In 1778, Solomon d'Hirzel sold it to Jordan of Thieulloy. During the First World War, General Monash established his headquarters there in 1918 to prepare for the Battle of Hamel.

The castle, classified as a historic monument in 1954, retains its original furniture and a park of 8 hectares renovated in the 19th century. Commons (17th century) include a dovecote and a neoclassical chapel. The park, transformed in English under the Restoration, is home to remarkable trees such as a Virginia tulip tree and multi-sera oaks, remnants of the Glands wood.

The facade, decorated with vases, foliage and sphinx, illustrates the influence of the Lights. Inside, the dining room, separated by ionic columns, and the living room with painted panelling reflect the aristocratic fascist. The estate remains in the descendants of Jordan of Thieulloy, preserving its architectural and historical heritage.

During the war, the castle played a strategic role for Australian and New Zealand forces. Today, its park offers views of the Villers-Bretonneux Australian Memorial, highlighting its link to military history. The protections cover the castle, the communes and the park, demonstrating its heritage value.

Sources mention works by Philippe Seydoux and Jean-Loup Leguay to deepen his history, as well as local archives. The castle, always private, embodies the alliance between neo-classical architecture, seigneurial history and memory of modern conflicts.

External links