Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Winch Tower, located in Allevard in the Isère department (region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), is the former dungeon of Ferrier Castle, a castle built in the 13th century. It is 1 km northwest of the village, on the Brame-Farine mountain, on the left bank of the Breda. Its imposing dimensions (25 m high, 12.50 m side, walls 2 m thick at the base) and quadrangular shape make it a typical example of the medieval dauphinian dungeons. Originally, only the upper floor was pierced with windows, and access to the levels was via an integrated staircase in the thickness of the walls, illuminated by murderers. crows visible today mark the location of old corbelled latrines.

The first written mention of the tower dates back to 1282, in an act of division between Felix and Marc de Crouy evoking "actum in turre Trollii". She was a fief of the castle of the Arvillard Building and belonged to the family of Crouy-Chanel. In 1316, John II of Vienna (dolphin) infeoda half at Pierre Barral d'Allevard, against 800 pounds and an annual cens of 5 floors. A dendrochronological study (1994) dated the 1375 frame and ceilings, specifying the period of construction or renovation of the dungeon.

Architecturally, the tower illustrates the defensive techniques of the Middle Ages: thick walls, murderous walls, and lack of openings to the lower floors to limit vulnerabilities. Its present state makes it possible to observe elements such as crows or the wall staircase, characteristic of the seigneurial dungeons of the region. Although partially in ruins, it remains a major testimony of the dauphinian castral heritage, linked to the history of the local noble families (Crouy-Chanel, Barral) and the authority of the dolphins of Vienna.

External links