Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Peronne was originally in the Merovingian era, where a royal residence welcomed figures like Radegonde de Poitiers in the 6th century. Fired by the Vikings in 884, it was replaced by a fortified castle built by the Count of Vermandois. In the 10th century Charles le Simple was imprisoned by Herbert II de Vermandois, marking his political and strategic role.

At the beginning of the 13th century, Philippe Auguste will radically transform the castle into a fortress typical of Philippian architecture: four sandstone towers connected by brick walls, surrounded by ditches, with a dungeon now gone. The site served as a prison for Renaud de Dammartin after the Battle of Bouvines (1214) and, later, for Louis XI, captured by Charles le Témeraire in 1468. The 17th century modifications adapted the fortress to artillery guns.

Until 1914, the castle retained a military vocation, sheltering shops and armory. Damaged during the Battle of the Somme, it was partially classified as a historical monument in 1924. Since 1992, he has hosted the entrance of the History of the Great War, museographing his military past. The remains visible today include four round towers, underground rooms, and the ruins of an 18th century residence.

Current architecture reveals defensive elements such as murderers, snakes, and dungeons. The terraces offer views of the city and the Cam pond, although these areas are not accessible to the public. The castle thus illustrates almost fifteen centuries of history, from Merovingians to modern conflicts.

External links