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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The fortified site of the Ménil-Barré, located in Saint-Germain-le-Guillaume in the department of Mayenne, is a medieval monument whose remains date mainly back to the fourteenth century. The two towers still standing, characteristic of this period, housed circular rooms equipped with chimneys, latrines and dust berry. These architectural elements make it possible to date their construction in the second half of the 14th century, although a seigneur of Ménil-Barré was mentioned in 1249.

The castle was a strategic issue during the conflicts in the region. In 1433 he was looted by the English of the Mayenne garrison. Later, in 1594, after the capitulation of Laval against Henri IV, Marshal John VI of Aumont ordered his destruction first before he capitulated and installed a garrison under the command of Guillaume Le Clerc de Crannes. These events illustrate his role in the feudal and religious struggles of the time.

The seigneury of Ménil-Barré was divided between the chestnuts of Saint-Ouen and Ernée. The local lord, founder of the church of Saint-Germain-le-Guillaume, also claimed rights over the church of Andoullé. In 1551 François de Fontenailles and his wife Françoise de la Palu founded a chapel dedicated to Saint Francis on the estate, with land from the Grand-Bordage d'Andouillé. This place of worship reflected the religious practices and nobility alliances of the Renaissance.

The current remains, including both towers and buried traces, were listed in the Historic Monuments by order of 12 October 1997. Their preservation reflects the historic importance of this site, marked by phases of conflict, reconstruction and adaptation to local authorities, from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

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