Creation of the forge vers 1595 (≈ 1595)
Initial foundation of the metallurgical site.
1661
Total reconstruction
Total reconstruction 1661 (≈ 1661)
For the Duke of Mortemart, with a pond.
1764-1768
Construction of the castle
Construction of the castle 1764-1768 (≈ 1766)
Logis of the master of the built forges.
1787
Grouping with Goberté
Grouping with Goberté 1787 (≈ 1787)
Fusion with another forge in Gouex.
1798
Production peak
Production peak 1798 (≈ 1798)
Three fires, two refineries, 10 worker housing.
1840
Employment peak
Employment peak 1840 (≈ 1840)
43 workers, regional sale of iron.
1886
Closing of the forge
Closing of the forge 1886 (≈ 1886)
Transformation into a distillery.
1901
Hydropower plant
Hydropower plant 1901 (≈ 1901)
Lhommaize and Verrieres.
1990-1991
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 1990-1991 (≈ 1991)
Protection of the remains and castle.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Parcels and Parcel G 169 containing the remains of the industrial site (see G 166, 167, 169 to 174, 177 to 181): inscription by order of 21 May 1990; Castle with its two pavilions; common and run away; two entrance gates; fence walls of the estate and courtyard of honor (cad. G 166, 167, 170, 171, 174 to 176, 179, 181): classification by order of 20 December 1991
Key figures
Duc de Mortemart - Initial owner
Sponsor of reconstruction in 1661.
Robert de Beauchamps - Forges master
Family operating the forge before 1789.
Robert-Louis Penchaud - Architect mentioned
Associated with the site (role not specified).
Origin and history
The forge of Verrières, created around 1595, was entirely rebuilt in 1661 for the Duke of Mortemart in the Dive valley, where a 20 hectare pond was built. This industrial site, owned by the Dukes of Mortemart until the Revolution, was operated by the Roberts of Beauchamps, masters of forges, who became owners of it after its sale as national property. At its peak, it included a blast furnace, refineries, coal halls, and housing for workers and foremans.
In 1798, the forge was an active complex with three fires, two refineries, and a boiler plant, producing iron and cast iron sold in the area. In 1840 she employed 43 workers and used hydraulic and steam machinery. The activity ceased in 1886, and the buildings were transformed into distilleries and then agricultural outbuildings after 1910. A hydroelectric power station was installed there in 1901, feeding neighbouring municipalities.
The site, partially preserved, includes the remains of the distillery workshop, foreman's quarters, and the castle of the master of forges (1764-1768). Ranked Historic Monument in 1990 and 1991, it shows the importance of Poitevin metallurgy. The remaining elements, such as the Teisset turbine (1901) and the Hillairet Huguet generators (1904), illustrate its technological evolution.
The forge played a key role in the local economy, supplying Vienna, the Deux-Sèvres and the Vendée. Its decline in the 19th century reflects the industrial changes of the time. Today, the site offers a major archaeological and historical interest, with classified remains and a park surrounding the castle.
The architect Robert-Louis Penchaud is associated with the site, although his exact role is not detailed in the sources. The remaining buildings, such as halls and houses, show a functional architecture typical of the old régime industrial sites. The location accuracy of the site is considered poor (note 5/10), with an approximate address at 5118 La Forge, Lhommaizé.
