Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château du Plessis-Bertrand, located in the commune of Saint-Coulomb in Ille-et-Vilaine, is a former castle built around 1259 by an ancestor of Bertrand du Guesclin. It replaced the former family castle of the Guesclin and was designed to withstand British attacks. Equipped with nine towers, a drawbridge and underground, it also symbolized a right of high justice, as evidenced by its patibular forks and seigneurial attributes in the village of Paramé.

In 1387, the castle was taken by the supporters of Olivier de Clisson during conflicts against Duke John IV of Brittany. Later, in 1589, he was occupied by the Duke of Mercœur, leader of the Catholic League. Assisted in 1597 by Brissac Marshal for Henry IV, he capitulated and was dismantled on royal orders in 1598. A notable episode of this siege was the death of La Tremblaye, killed by a musket shot from the castle on September 8, 1597.

In the 18th century, the estate was acquired by François-Auguste Magon de la Lande. Although partially ruined after its dismantling, the castle retains medieval remains, such as courtesies surrounded by moat and ruins. It was listed as historic monuments on December 18, 1969, recognizing its heritage importance.

According to 16th-century archives, the seigneury of the Plessis-Bertrand possessed a right of high justice, illustrated by instruments such as the vine and necklace exposed to Paramé. Local legends also evoke popular beliefs, such as the presence of fairies at the place called La Hoguette, where the patibular forks were found. These elements underline its military, seigneurial and symbolic role in the region.

External links