Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Campeau, now located in the municipality of Somain (North), formerly belonged to the territory of Villers-Campeau, absorbed in 1947. This monument, whose origins date back to at least the seventeenth century, was acquired in 1679 by an ancestor of the Rémy family. Its history is linked to major architectural transformations, especially in the 19th century.

In 1870 Georges, a member of the family owner, built a gallery decorated with statues representing the four seasons and moulds (gypso) inspired by the works of Canova, whose originals are at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. A column surmounted by a Mercury, a cast iron copy of a work by Jean de Bologna, renowned Renaissance sculptor from Douai, dominates the central axis of the castle.

The site also includes a castral motte, a medieval vestige listed in the inventory of historical monuments since 6 December 1978. The entire castle was officially listed as historic monuments on February 2, 2016, recognizing its heritage value and rich history, mixing family heritage and varied artistic influences.

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