Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Duchesne Tower, also known as the Chesne Tower, Old Mint Tower or Piron Tower, is a second quarter of the 15th century building (circa 1444-1459), located near Mordelaise Gate in Rennes. It was part of the first enclosure of the city, rebuilt between 1447 and 1459 at the same time as the second enclosure. His name comes from Jehan du Chesne, the great doorman of Rennes in 1473, the first known occupant, responsible for opening and closing the gates of the city. The tower was also inhabited around 1735 by the carpenter Piron, bearing another name. It has an apparent fruit at its base (wall inclined to resist projectiles) and retains a coronation of mâchicoulis. A low pit built in prison in the 16th century was accessible by a trap and a scale to get the prisoners down.

The tower is linked to a medieval tradition: the privilege of papagaut, granted to Rennes in 1143 and confirmed by Duke Francis II of Brittany. This annual Arbalet shooting competition (and then at the Arquebuse after 1605) on a wooden bird or cardboard designated a papalaut king, benefiting from tax exemptions and the right to raise taxes. A papagaut was installed on the tower until 1680. The moat surrounding the tower, now full, recalled its defensive role in the fortified enclosure of Rennes, associated with the Mordelaise gate and other Gallo-Roman remains of the Hyacinthe-Lorette square.

Ranked a historic monument since 13 March 1944, the Duchesne Tower was originally owned by the State before being acquired in March 2023 by Rennes Métropole. It is located at 10 Nantaise Street, near the Jouault junction, and is one of the few testimonies of the Rennes ramparts, alongside elements of the First Precinct of the Third Century and the Mission Cross. Its architecture reflects the military techniques of the 15th century, while its history combines defensive, prison and residential functions, illustrating the urban evolution of Rennes from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

External links