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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Margot Tower is a municipality in the Somme department in the Hauts-de-France region in north-eastern France. Dating from the 15th century, it was part of a complex defensive system, consisting of two enclosures: a quasi-quadrangular inner enclosure, pierced with four doors and a door holder, and a larger outer enclosure, with at least seven doors. These fortifications were built or rebuilt in response to the destruction suffered by the city during the Hundred Years War and the Franco-bourguignon conflict, which marked the region deeply.

The current remains, including the Margot Tower, are the only remaining evidence of these medieval ramparts. The tower is distinguished by its strategic position, where the ditches of the two enclosures joined. Although partially destroyed, it retains architectural elements such as vaults, visible in particular at 15, rue du Général De Gaulle. These vestiges, although incomplete, illustrate the importance of successive renovations concentrated on the inner enclosure, following repeated sieges that the city had to endure.

The Margot Tower was protected as historical monuments by an inscription order dated 6 September 1943. This ranking reflects its heritage importance as a witness to medieval urban fortifications. From the 18th century, the ramparts, which had become obsolete, ceased to be maintained. In 1793, by order of the department, most of the gates of the city were destroyed, with the exception of the Hairon Gate, which only disappeared in 1843. These demolitions marked the gradual end of the defensive use of these structures, now reduced to a few ruined towers and portions of courtines.

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