Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Boissey Manor House, located in the Pays d'Auge on the town of Boissey (Calvados), dates from the 17th century. It is distinguished by its half-timbered facades, its moat fed by the stream of the Fontaine Saint-Julien, and a wing in return. Arcisse de Caumont, in the 19th century, highlights its contrast between the "painted terracotta ears" and the "solid chimney strain". This manor rises on a circular castral mot of 60 meters in diameter, likely remains of an ancient medieval castle, with ditches of 8 meters wide.

Boissey's fief, poorly documented before the 11th century, is mentioned as belonging to vassals of Countess Lesceline, including Neel de Vieux-Pont. In 1211 Raoul de Boissey, linked to the family of Vieux-Pont, received the land of Queron de Philippe-Auguste. In the 13th century, the fief passed to the families of Tilly and Murdrac by marriage alliances (Isabelle de Boissey married Raoul de Tilly; Jeanne de Tilly married Roger de Murdrac in the 14th century). An admission of 1672 revealed its extent: 850 acres of fieffed land and 50 acres unfenced, covering six parishes, with privileges such as lower justice and a mill.

The seigneurial house, built on Renaissance bases, has a north facade in vertical half-timbers and a more adorned south facade, with triple scarves and crusillons. The estate, lined with moats, includes 17th-century wooden outbuildings and a French garden. Although divided into two properties, the ensemble retains its homogeneous architectural character, with a barn dating back to the 17th century. The site, classified as Historic Monument in 2021, illustrates the evolution of a medieval seigneury as a seigneurial residence of the Ancien Régime.

The agricultural occupation continued until the 20th century, as evidenced by the preserved facilities. The mansion, with its spiral staircase and 15th century fireplaces, embodies the Norman architectural heritage, combining medieval defensive elements and classical aesthetics. The seigneurial rights (motte, dovecote, mill) reflect its historical importance as a knight's fief in the country of Auge.

External links