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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Shoulder Tower, located in Gallardon, Eure-et-Loir, is a circular dungeon from the beginning of the twelfth century, built of millstones. She served as a watchdog to watch the surroundings and as a home for the guards. Today, there is only a massive 38-metre-high ruin, consisting of a masonry crown and some machicolis. The walls, of a thickness of 4.50 meters, and the outer diameter of 18 meters testify to its defensive importance.

In 1443, during the Hundred Years' War, the castle was taken over by the troops of Jean de Dunois, Count of Dunois. After his reconquest, he ordered his destruction. The bombardments and the mine of the tower reduced the building to ruins, leaving only the current remains. These ruins were classified by decree of 10 February 1913.

The tower of the shoulder is now the property of the commune of Gallardon. It symbolizes medieval military architecture and the conflicts that marked the region. Its present state makes it possible to imagine the extent of the original fortress, although only part of the crown and some elements of stone remain.

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