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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Manor House of the Tour aux Anglais, located in Aunou-le-Faucon in the department of Orne, is an emblematic building of the 14th and 17th centuries. It is distinguished by its medieval architecture, marked by a 15th century round staircase tower, water ditches and a bridge to the enclosed garden. The main building, rectangular, was once extended by a chapel, as evidenced by the arches in the middle hanger upstairs and a window in broken arch in the attic. The main façade was redesigned in the 17th century, reflecting the architectural changes of this period.

The origin of the mansion could go back to Foulque d-Airou, lord companion of William the Conqueror, although this hypothesis is not explicitly confirmed for the current building. The periods of construction identified are the 14th and 17th centuries, with major restoration work undertaken since 1994. Archaeological excavations conducted in 1999 highlighted the exteriors of the monument. The facades and roofs have been protected as historical monuments since 11 May 1981.

The manor house is located southeast of the village of Aunou-le-Faucon, near the church of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte and on the edge of the forest of Petite Gouffern. This classified site is part of a typical bocager of the Orne Valley, 5 km southeast of Argentan. His history is documented by local sources, including Pierre Coeuche's work and Denis Thiron's archaeological reports.

The Tour aux Anglais illustrates the evolution of Norman manors, moving from a defensive function to a residential and symbolic role. The arcades and the broken arch window recall its medieval origin, while the 17th century reshuffles show an adaptation to the tastes of the modern era. The site, now partially open to the public, benefits from an association dedicated to its preservation and enhancement since the 1990s.

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