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Origin and history

The Castrum d'Orgueil, located in Mauroux in the Lot (Occitanie), is a medieval fortified complex mentioned since 1114 during a donation to the Abbey of Moissac by Gausbert-Borrelh d'Orgueil. The Orgueil family, probably from the Lords of Luzech, shared suzerainety with five other lines (Bar, Montfavès, del Bosc, Lézergues) under the authority of the Count of Toulouse. In 1246 the bishop of Cahors tried to impose his rights, but was dismissed. The site, combined with a river port on the Lot and a dam (the Fossat), was a strategic issue during the Hundred Years War, occupied by "English" companies until its acquisition in 1389 by the Count of Armagnac for 11,000 francs.

The castrum, abandoned around 1390, has major archaeological remains: a supposed 45 m in diameter motte, a tower-masteress with rounded angles (XIII century), buttresses walls, and traces of a medieval village on terraces. The excavations (1982-1984) revealed houses, a forge, and port facilities (landscapes, landings). Ranked a historic monument in 1993, the site illustrates the feudal organization of the Quercy, the conflicts of suzerainety, and the impact of the Hundred Years' War on local fortifications.

The history of Organ is marked by the charter of customs (1270-1271) granted to the inhabitants, and by the presence of a royal bayle installed in 1292 by Philip IV the Bel to limit the power of co-seigneurs. Local noble families, such as the Albaro (like the Gourdon) or the Montfavès, played a key role in political alliances, especially with the English party. The permanent abandonment of the site, mentioned as deserta destructura in 1395, coincides with the economic ruin of Quercy after the road companies.

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