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Origin and history

The Mahuet tower of Labry, located in the village of the same name in the East, has its origins in the 13th century, probably built for local knights. Its initial role was defensive, as evidenced by the archeries still visible on the northern facade. This type of tower, typical of the small lords, reflected the military needs of the time while marking their power in the territory. Nearby, the remains of a feudal motte recall the medieval anchoring of the site, where a human presence has been attested since Roman times.

In the 15th or 16th century, the tower underwent major changes, even partial reconstruction, marking a transition to a more residential vocation. The modifications include the creation of a screw staircase, the removal of defensive elements in height and the drilling of new openings. These transformations illustrate the decline of traditional military arrangements to symbolic and domestic functions. The tower was mentioned as Mahuet from 1599, associated with this family until the middle of the 18th century, before passing to the Olry until the middle of the 19th century.

Classified as a Historic Monument since 2006, the Mahuet Tower is now owned by the municipality of Labry. Its architecture thus combines traces of its warrior past (archeries, feudal motte) and subsequent adjustments reflecting the evolution of seigneurial lifestyles. The site, although partially altered, remains a rare evidence of small local fortifications and their adaptation to successive periods.

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