Construction of mots Moyen Âge (≈ 1125)
Estimated period of construction of remains.
13 juillet 1982
Official protection
Official protection 13 juillet 1982 (≈ 1982)
Registration by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Feudal mottes (Case B 375, 376) : inscription by order of 13 July 1982
Origin and history
The feudal mottes of Merckeghem are a historical monument located in the commune of Merckeghem, in the department of the North (59), in the Hauts-de-France region. These vestiges date from the Middle Ages and illustrate the fortification systems typical of this period, often associated with seigneurial residences or strategic checkpoints. Their presence reflects the local feudal organization and defence needs of the time.
These mots, protected by a registration order in 1982, are located precisely at 2944 Chemin du Marais. Their conservation status and approximate location (please note 6/10) suggest a recognized historical significance, although details of their construction or exact use are not explicitly documented in available sources. Their official protection underscores their heritage value for understanding medieval regional history.
In the Middle Ages, feudal mottes often served as bases for wooden or stone towers, surrounded by ditches, and played a key role in the social and military hierarchy. They symbolized the power of local lords and ensured the protection of agricultural territories and surrounding populations. In Flanders, as in the present North, these structures were integrated into a wider defence network, reflecting the political tensions and frequent conflicts of the time.
