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Origin and history

The fortified house of the Raminoise, located in the Ardennes in Maisoncelle-et-Villers, was originally a square dungeon built between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. This building, which is now arased, was enlarged in the 16th century by two wings in return, although the initial project seems unfinished. The whole was protected by living waters and accessible via a drawbridge, reflecting its defensive role. Architectural elements such as a truncated chimney in the attic or eight-shaped cannonholes testify to its successive transformations.

In 1561, the marriage between Blanche de Villelongue and Jacques de Tige was celebrated, marked by the creation of a fireplace with the coat of arms of the two families, still visible today. The seigneury changed hands several times before the Revolution, notably belonging to the Tige, Villelongue, Galopin, Lhostel, Mecquenem and Wacquant families. The latter retained it until 1928, when it was sold.

The site experienced violent episodes, such as its plunder in 1622 by the troops of Ernst von Mansfeld and its fire in 1650 by the Croats. After centuries of turbulent history, the fortified house was listed as historical monuments in 2003. Purchased in 1973 by the Visseaux family, it was restored before being ceded in 1991 to the Lisart family, which now carries on farming.

Architecturally, the Raminoise illustrates the evolution of the strong houses of the Ardennes: its initial dungeon, its added wings, and its agricultural outbuildings make it a typical example of the fortified seigneurial residences of the Renaissance. Its isolation in a hollow ground, near a pond, reinforces its defensive and landscaped character.

Historical sources, such as the works of Philippe Seydoux or Roland de Villelongue, underline its heritage importance. Local articles, such as those of the Sedanese Country, even offer reconstructions of its original aspect, highlighting its role in regional history.

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