Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Bussy-la-Pesle, built in the 13th century, is an ancient fortress located in the Côte-d'Or department, in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Originally owned by Gauthier de Sombernon, he was left in 1239 to his daughter Jacquette, wife of Guillaume de Montagu, before passing in 1242 to Eudes I, nephew of the Duke of Burgundy. This castle, marked by conflicts and reconstructions, illustrates medieval power struggles in Burgundy.

In 1363, the castle was taken by the scavengers of Arnaud de Cervole, then taken over by the forces of the governor of Burgundy. In the 15th century, Eudes de Villars inherited it and passed it on to his niece Jeanne de la Tour, wife of Jean de La Baume, Marshal of France in 1421. The castle, often disputed, was rebuilt in 1460 by Guy de La Baume, who added a house and a tower, reflecting his prestige at the court of Burgundy.

In the 17th century, the castle passed into the hands of Nicolas de la Toison, adviser to the Parliament of Burgundy, who defended it during the Fouquet trial. He remained in his offspring until 1920, when he was sold to the Denizot brothers. Since 2009, its current owners have undertaken its renovation, while preserving its medieval elements, such as the 1482 kitchen and its 1429 frame.

The estate, classified as Historic Monument in 2021, includes a U-house, moats, a park and communes. Its architecture combines traces of the 13th, 15th, 19th and 20th centuries, with 19th century apartments and a central staircase tower. The inner well and the monumental fireplace of the old kitchen bear witness to its medieval past.

The castle also has a cultural dimension: an award-winning historical study helped to reconstruct its past, while six cottages were built there to enhance this heritage. The Association of Friends of the Castle of Bussy-la-Pesle actively contributes to its preservation and dissemination of its history.

External links