Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Tower of the Clock, formerly called the Tower of Change, is an ancient gate of the first medieval enclosure of Beaugency, probably built between the 11th and 12th centuries. On a square plane, it served as a Vendômise door and had curved bays comparable to those of the local dungeon. Its origin could be linked to Lancelin I, seigneur of Beaugency, who initiated the fortification of the city between 1015 and 1050, at the same time as the church of Saint Sepulchre (now Saint Stephen), following a Merovingian tradition combining spiritual and military defense.

In 1680, the tower was the object of major repairs led by the architect Jarry-Lemaire, who gave him his current cover. Originally, its upper part was a lead octagonal lantern, surmounted by a balustrade. In 1763, the menacing frame was rebuilt with a lead dome by a certain Lecomte, whose plans correspond to the present appearance. A wooden staircase, perhaps from the 18th century, was added to the west façade, replacing an old access from the nearby prison (the "pretoire").

The current clock, installed in 1853, replaces an older mechanism, melted in 1511 as attests to an inscription mentioning prosecutors Jehan Mallier and Guillaume Charles. The tower, classified as a Historic Monument in 1922, is the last visible vestige of Beaugency's first enclosure, whose existence has been attested since 1081. It illustrates the architectural and urban evolution of the city, from medieval fortifications to modern amenities.

In the 18th century, the tower escaped destruction by little: in 1749, the local intendant proposed its demolition because of its condition, but the inhabitants opposed it. This rescue allowed its preservation until today, although its defensive role has disappeared. The Rue du Change, which passes under its vaulted ground floor in the middle of the village, recalls its integration into the medieval urban fabric.

The Clock Tower thus embodies almost a thousand years of Beaugencian history, from feudal lords to the transformations of the Lights. Its architecture combines Romanesque elements (ringed bays), classical repairs (1680) and functional additions (19th century clock), reflecting the changing needs of the city.

External links