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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Séjallières is a fortified house typical of the Velay, built at the end of the Middle Ages (15th century) in the commune of Saint-Jean-Lachalm, Haute-Loire. This monument reflects the architectural characteristics of the fortified residences of the era, with an initial plan in the shape of L, completed later by a northwest wing. Its history is marked by successive transformations, while preserving defensive and agricultural elements, such as a square tower and a barn accessible by an adorned arc.

The history of the castle is closely linked to the family of the lords of Grain, who sought to dominate the strategic castles of the plateau flanks overlooking Allier. Sejallières formed a coseigneuria with Prunet, another nearby fief. In the 14th century, the lords of Prunet claimed the possession of Sejallières, until Louis de Goys united the two estates by marriage in the 16th century. Part of the seigneury initially depended on the lords of Montlaur (thirteenth century), while another remained at the Barons d'Agrain, one of which took the name of "Agrain de Sejallières" in the 18th century.

In 1508 the lords of Agrain made a temporary feudal seizure of the castle, marking a period of tension for its control. The building, modified over the centuries, combines residential and agricultural functions: the main house is in retreat from the valley, while the north-west wing, probably redesigned, would have been extended to symmetricalize the whole. The square tower, slightly advanced, and access to the barn by a sloped climb demonstrate its adaptation to the defensive and practical needs.

The castle of Sejallières was listed as a historical monument by order of 13 February 1995, recognizing its heritage value as an example preserved of the strong houses of Vellaves. Its architecture and history illustrate local feudal dynamics, where marriage alliances and land control conflicts have shaped the region's castral landscape.

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