Maison du Bourreau in Marchenoir dans le Loir-et-Cher

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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Maison du Bourreau, located in Marchenoir in the Loir-et-Cher, owes its name to a cordon sculpted on the shield of its door, a symbol often associated with executioners in the Middle Ages. This 15th century building is distinguished by its double façade, overlooking both Church Street and Vanvert Street. Its architecture combines a main house body and an octagonal tower with cut strips, typical of the late medieval era.

Inside the tower, an oak staircase, called "de Saint-Gilles", leads to the floors. This staircase, equipped with a moulded handrail, illustrates the expertise of the 15th century carpenters. The house was partially protected by a decree of 2 December 1946, covering its facades, roofs and staircase of the turret, thus underlining its heritage importance.

Although its exact history remains partially documented, the Maison du Bourreau bears witness to the role of urban dwellings in the small medieval towns of the Centre-Val de Loire region. These houses often served as houses for local artisans or officers, while reflecting the social status of their occupants through distinctive architectural elements such as shields or towers.

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