Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The secondary bailliage of Pont-de-l'Arche was created around 1635 and installed in an architectural complex backed by the northern rampart of the city. The complex consisted of a courtroom, separate prisons for men and women, a jailer's home, a chapel, and the Master of Waters and Forests building. The judicial and administrative functions were centralized there, reflecting the local organisation under the former regime.

Around 1778, major works changed the site before the building welcomed in 1790 the first Municipal Council of Pont-de-l'Arche. He was transformed into a town hall in 1804 and retained this vocation until his sale to an industrialist in 1971. Repurchased by the municipality in 1998, the building preserved a large part of its original volumes, including prison spaces and some interior fittings, despite the disappearance of the old audience.

Ranked Historic Monument in 2003, the site now includes all buildings, floors and walls of enclosures. Although the accuracy of its location is considered satisfactory (note 7/10), its history illustrates the evolution of local institutions, from seigneurial justice to modern municipal management. The official address, 21bis rue Blin, places the monument in the historic centre of Pont-de-l'Arche, Normandy.

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