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Origin and history

Beuzeville-la-Grenier Castle is a Renaissance residence built between 1550 and 1588, today in ruins, in the Seine-Maritime department in Normandy. It stands on a site once occupied by a castle, possession of the lords of Grenet then of a chivalrous family linked to the Auricher until the Hundred Years War. The present castle, attributed to Antoine de Scelles and his wife Madeleine de Ravenel, is characterized by a body of quadrangular houses flanked by turrets, made of cut stone, perhaps inspired by Philibert Delorme. Its architecture is reminiscent of that of Azay-le-Rideau, with high chimneys and a steep slate attic.

The estate includes a manor house of the 15th–12th centuries, adjacent to the castle, built of flint and stone, with a tower and a staircase in screws. The manor house, partially renovated during the construction of the castle, retains medieval elements. From the 17th century, the castle, transmitted by alliances to the families of Prie, Hautemer and La Mothe-Houdancourt, was no longer inhabited by its owners. In the 18th century, it served as a dwelling for the farmers of the Countess of Honolstein, before Paul-Tanguy de La Luzerne raised the seigneury as a marquisate.

Ranked a historic monument in 1930 for its facades and roofs, the castle is already in ruins at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1948, a report reported the partial collapse of its frame and cover, as well as the disappearance of carpentry. Today, only the walls remain, while archival documents attest to its earlier state, including a stubble portal. The dovecote and a stable dated 1762 complete the federal ensemble, a witness to the architectural and social evolution of the region.

The Renaissance inspiration of the castle, combined with its medieval defensive elements (scauguuettes, flint), illustrates the transition between the Middle Ages and the Modern Ages in Normandy. Its gradual abandonment reflects economic and social changes, such as the disaffection of seigneurial residences in favour of agricultural areas. The sources, including the works of Pierre Dardel and Philippe Seydoux, highlight his heritage interest despite his current state.

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