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Origin and history

The Prison de la Prévoté de Montlhéry, built between the 14th and 15th centuries, is a historical monument located in the backyard behind a more recent building on the Grande Rue. It consists of a central circular tower 4 metres in diameter, flanked by two lateral wings of the same height. This building was initially said to have served as a prison under the reign of Philippe Auguste, dependent on the provost of Montlhéry, whose jurisdiction covered more than 100 parishes and 130 fiefs. Its exact role remains debated, as it could also be an element of the 16th century fortifications, such as a guard room or a building linked to the toll of the Baudry Gate.

In 1548, the chancellor of Leuville, after taking possession of Montlhéry County, rebuilt the prison and the adjacent audience. These two buildings were restored in 1659 by François de Dinan, then provost. Recent work has resulted in the complete reconstruction of the former prison roof. The pass through the building aligned on the street reveals many ancient graffiti, dating from 1692 and 1716, engraved on the walls.

The Provost Prison was listed as a Historic Monument by order of 5 February 1937. Today owned by the municipality of Montlhéry, it is located in the courtyard of the town hall, at 27 Grande Rue. Its state of conservation and its historical traces, like graffiti, make it a valuable testimony of the medieval and modern judicial and urban organization in Île-de-France.

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