Presumed construction 1414 (≈ 1414)
Estimated date of the Maillefeu tower.
1477
Next door
Next door 1477 (≈ 1477)
Construction of a nearby rampart.
1653
Map representation
Map representation 1653 (≈ 1653)
Plan engraved by Robert Cordier.
2011
Threat of destruction
Threat of destruction 2011 (≈ 2011)
Abandoned parking project.
24 mai 2023
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 24 mai 2023 (≈ 2023)
Official site protection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The Maillefeu Tower, as well as the archaeological soils, situated 56 boulevard de la Portelette in total, shown in the cadastre, section AL, parcel 478, as delimited on the plan annexed to the decree: inscription by order of 24 May 2023
Key figures
Napoléon III - Emperor of the French
Ordered the dismantling of the fortifications.
Robert Cordier - Abbevillian Gravel
Represented the tower in 1653.
Origin and history
The Maillefeu Tower, located in Abbeville in the department of the Somme, is the only remaining vestige of the old fortifications of the city, dismantled by order of Napoleon III. According to the sources, this tower dates back to 1414, although an arch and nearby fortifications already existed before the construction of the 1477 rampart. She was represented on a plan engraved in 1653 by Robert Cordier, a local engraver, attesting to her existence at that time.
The tower was originally associated with an old bridge over the Maillefeu River and was located between the Portelette and the site of the old railway station. In 2011, it had to be destroyed to give way to a parking lot, but thanks to the intervention of heritage defenders, the project was abandoned. Since May 24, 2023, the Maillefeu Tower has been officially listed as the Historic Monuments, protecting this testimony from Abbeville's medieval and modern past.
Protected elements include the tower itself and the surrounding archaeological soils, located at 56 boulevard de la Portelette. The property now belongs to the community of communes. Its recent inscription underlines its historical and architectural importance, despite the threats of disappearance it experienced in the 21st century.
