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Origin and history

The Château de la Vieux-Cour, also known as Vieucour, is an estate located 1.2 km northeast of Ahuillé, in the department of Mayenne. His name evolved over the centuries: Hebergamentum de Veteri Curia in 1236, La Viez Court in 1384, or La Vieucour later. The site includes a pond, buildings, and a chapel without foundation, mentioned in the Middle Ages.

The present castle, built in 1830 by Gustave de Moulins, replaces a seigneurial house "made in the antique" existing since 1680. The fief historically belonged to the County of Laval, with obligations such as 15 days of custody at Porte Beuchesse or symbolic gifts (gants, golden spurs). In 1236, the estate included accommodation on the edge of the Concise forest, then extended with estates, mills, and seigneurial rights over local churches.

Among the notable events, the coat of arms of Olivier de la Roussière was restored in 1479 after their abduction by a rival. In 1680 the estate, then fragmented, included a chapel, dovecotes, ponds, and farmland. A lithography of Godbert in 1845 immortalizes the rebuilt castle. In 1799, the owner Tugal Raimbault and his family were arrested for housing caulians.

Several families succeeded: the de La Roussière (XIVth–XVIth centuries), the de Feschal (XVIth–XVIIth), and the Duchemin in the 18th century. Jean Duchemin, the last notable lord, also possessed the land of Courtentré. The estate was sold in pieces after 1760, marking the end of its seigneurial unit.

A secondary fief, the Petite-Vieucour (or Ronceray), depended on the principal lord. Sold in 1439 to François de la Pommeraie, it was then incorporated into the Verger de Montigné. The archives mention rights like two wax candles offered to the Chandeleur.

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