Château de Gageac
Encyclopedia
Gageac Castle is an ancient monument of the 12th/14th/18th centuries. It is located near Gageac-et-Rouillac
in the Dordogne
department in south-west France.
(18 km) and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
(12 km), this castle is one of the most charming of South Bergerac
, overlooking the Dordogne
valley and surrounded by vineyards whose wine
has an international reputation. Its architecture with simple and imposing lines makes this castle one of the most harmonious of the region. Its location was chosen to be a stronghold of the castle of Duras
. Duras is located about twenty kilometers south and it belonged to the Dukes of the same name belonging to the Durfort
family. Gageac faced the Dordogne valley and Laforce another stronghold. There may be some risk of animosity between the two Duchies. The original fortress was only composed of a square tower of stone called the "Dungeon" (West side) during the 12th century. The Dungeon which was the only stone building, was defended by wooden fortifications. The entrance is situated on the first floor which is reached by a ladder that was removed when attackers came. They sent carrier pigeons to prevent Duras (there are traces of putlogs (nests) over the guard room) This dungeon is divided in two main parts: One is called "guard room" located in the highest part, lighted by a window which can be seen on the north side. Its access is by a strange staircase, which was built in the thickness of the walls. The other room is barely lit (only by a basement window), with access from the first floor and the ground level of the rock is the "forgotten". Actually it was used as a reserve for food or weapons. To get there, the ladder used to access the tower is used.
During the Middle Ages
, men who were guarding the tower were housed. Duras provided weapons and maybe some horses. But Gageac had to organize themselves for food; this is the reason why we find in old books "the robbers of Gageac just skimming the outskirts of the Madeleine." Gageac was later expanded. Another building separate from the Dungeon was built to house the troops (body building). It was possible to move from one building to another with the help of a removable panel on the first floor.
When the English invaded the region, Gageac was burned and rebuilt, but the Dungeon remained intact.
Around 1350, the castle was enlarged by adding an additional tower whose framework was the work of a marine architect. The dry moat surrounding the current buildings was protected by wetlands. A second wall, flanked by watchtowers stood outside the moat. It was a fortress, in modern terms a garrison house.
decided to reclaim the region for the Kingdom of France
. He sent his brother, Louis I, Duke of Anjou, who marched into the region during the summer of 1377. Initially, the expedition was easy: the small neighboring towns of Bergerac submitted, including La Force
. But when he realized that the Anglo-Gascon, Perducat d'Albret, governor of Bergerac, was determined to resist, he called for help from the Constable du Guesclin
. Seeking to avoid losses, the Duke and Constables were confined primarily to a few useless skirmishes. It was decided to send a soldier to La Réole
in order to bring back a sow or "turtle" (a huge rolling machine that could hold a hundred men and throw huge stones), but the Anglo-Gascon Sir Thomas Felton, Senechal of Guyenne
, arrived quickly from Bordeaux
with a squad in order to cut their road. Du Guesclin
heard of the intentions of Felton and sent a strong company to reinforce the squad. The clash took place near Eymet
, and the troops of Charles V won the battle. There were many killed and wounded, and Sir Thomas Felton and Gaillard de Durfort
were taken prisoner. In August 1377, Du Guesclin used his advantage to overwhelm and lay siege to Duras and Gageac, despite the fact that Gageac had a reputation of being untouchable. Constable Guesclin, excelling in the art of sieges, knew the best use of any ballistic and relied heavily on terror carried out in its own name. He stayed five days outside Gageac. The Anglo-Gascon of Gageac thinking he would go away, had not stored enough food to outlast a long siege. After the first bombing, the defenders capitulated. They knew that if the constable succeeded, it could be ended by a massacre. In order to not be taken from the rear, Du Guesclin ordered his crossbowmen and the "sow" to bombard Bergerac. The people of Bergerac and Perducat, feeling isolated, decided to open the city. Perducat d’Albret fled with his troops and took refuge in his fortified house in Montcuq where nobody came to fetch him. On September 2, 1377, consuls and aldermen met in the church of St Jacques and took an oath to the Duke of Anjou. War ended, and there was no reason to have a stronghold.
of Duras decided to convert Gageac into a residence, which was later added onto by the d'Essenault de Castelnau and then by the du Reclus. All of these embellished the chateau to make it more livable. Between the seventeenth and early eighteenthcenturies, Gageac was profoundly transformed and beautified. The main building was overcome by attics, 3 doubles and 2 singles from north to south. There is still one in the front, a floor was removed and large windows were opened.
In going to the pigeon loft
, there is a small well-shaped square, one of the oldest in the village. The legend says that the Virgin would have appeared, and processions taking place there each year with the beautiful virgin gilt located right in the chapel of the church.
The impressive pigeon loft of 7 meters in diameter and about 10 meters high was built facing the castle and was the mark of Lordship. The pigeon loft had several functions: to provide meat and to produce fertilizer for the vineyard.
The ground level was made for the poultry. The dovecote was situated on the first floor. Nest boxes were accessible with a ladder but we do not know the number because the interior has been modified over the years. Note that the regulation of the number of nests was strict and could not be more than 5 acres (20,234.3 m²) per nest. The pigeon was marked by a stone above the front door but we do not know its meaning thereof. The frame, cover and upper frieze were completely restored in 2009. du Reclus’ family, who had visited the court of Versailles for the favor of the King, had a very expensive life, so Gageac was forgotten. In the 19th century buildings were in very bad states, the Doussaut de la Primaudiere helped by their son-in-law revived the castle with modern techniques. The main staircase was doubled in the West Dungeon. They opened a window mullions to create an extra room. The interior layout has been redefined by briquetting walls and plastered. Old fireplaces were removed and replaced with modern ones. The north terrace was made with fills of old fortifications and a monumental gate has been created. The source was channeled to flow into ponds redesigned (note the large pond is deep enough about 1.20 m. An accident has already occurred) The follies of the nineteenth were also the era of romanticism, they created an avenue for the arrival of carriages through the woods. They planted an avenue of majestic cedar of Lebanon. Unfortunately it was partially swept away by the last two storms.
The mulberry bushes along the road were for rearing Bombyx (silkworm), and were a great success in the 1870s.
Bombyx feed on mulberry leaves, tree whose growth is very rapid. the cocoon formed, it must be boiled before the worms eat it. Then it is sent to Lyon, the capital of silk, to be unwound, thus forming the floss, the quality of the silk permit get my ancestor the best rewards. These mulberry therefore have a history, they are troublesome for modern vehicles, but they add a certain charm in this environment.
Gageac still belongs to the family de la Verrie de Vivans originating of Siorac en Périgord, descendant of the famous Captain Geoffrey de Vivans. The family are here over six generations.
Gageac-et-Rouillac
Gageac-et-Rouillac is a commune in the Dordogne department in Aquitaine in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
in the Dordogne
Dordogne
Dordogne is a départment in south-west France. The départment is located in the region of Aquitaine, between the Loire valley and the High Pyrénées named after the great river Dordogne that runs through it...
department in south-west France.
Location and early history
On the wine trail between BergeracBergerac
Bergerac can refer to:* Bergerac, Dordogne, a French market town* Cyrano de Bergerac, a French dramatist and duelist* Cyrano de Bergerac , a French play of 1897 based around the life of the dramatist...
(18 km) and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is a commune in the Gironde department in Aquitaine in southwestern France.-Population:-Personalities:It was the birthplace of:* Paul Broca, surgeon and anthropologist* Élisée Reclus, geographer-References:*...
(12 km), this castle is one of the most charming of South Bergerac
Arrondissement of Bergerac
The arrondissement of Bergerac is an arrondissement of France, located in the Dordogne department, in the Aquitaine region. It has 14 cantons and 159 communes.-Cantons:The cantons of the arrondissement of Bergerac are:# Beaumont-du-Périgord...
, overlooking the Dordogne
Dordogne
Dordogne is a départment in south-west France. The départment is located in the region of Aquitaine, between the Loire valley and the High Pyrénées named after the great river Dordogne that runs through it...
valley and surrounded by vineyards whose wine
Bergerac wine
The Bergerac wine-growing region is a subregion of South West France, is located around the town of Bergerac in the Dordogne department, and comprises 93 communes. Its boundaries correspond more or less with those of the Arrondissement of Bergerac and it is located immediately east of the Bordeaux...
has an international reputation. Its architecture with simple and imposing lines makes this castle one of the most harmonious of the region. Its location was chosen to be a stronghold of the castle of Duras
Duras, Lot-et-Garonne
Duras is a commune in the Lot-et-Garonne department in south-western France.The town is traversed by the Dropt river.-Notable people:*David Hume of Godscroft , Scottish historian and philosopher, was the pastor in Duras 1604-1614....
. Duras is located about twenty kilometers south and it belonged to the Dukes of the same name belonging to the Durfort
Durfort (family)
Durfort is the name of a French noble family, distinguished in French and English history.Durfort is a village of southwestern France, formerly in the province of Guienne, now in the département of Tarn-et-Garonne, 18 m. NW of Montauban by road...
family. Gageac faced the Dordogne valley and Laforce another stronghold. There may be some risk of animosity between the two Duchies. The original fortress was only composed of a square tower of stone called the "Dungeon" (West side) during the 12th century. The Dungeon which was the only stone building, was defended by wooden fortifications. The entrance is situated on the first floor which is reached by a ladder that was removed when attackers came. They sent carrier pigeons to prevent Duras (there are traces of putlogs (nests) over the guard room) This dungeon is divided in two main parts: One is called "guard room" located in the highest part, lighted by a window which can be seen on the north side. Its access is by a strange staircase, which was built in the thickness of the walls. The other room is barely lit (only by a basement window), with access from the first floor and the ground level of the rock is the "forgotten". Actually it was used as a reserve for food or weapons. To get there, the ladder used to access the tower is used.
During the Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
, men who were guarding the tower were housed. Duras provided weapons and maybe some horses. But Gageac had to organize themselves for food; this is the reason why we find in old books "the robbers of Gageac just skimming the outskirts of the Madeleine." Gageac was later expanded. Another building separate from the Dungeon was built to house the troops (body building). It was possible to move from one building to another with the help of a removable panel on the first floor.
When the English invaded the region, Gageac was burned and rebuilt, but the Dungeon remained intact.
Around 1350, the castle was enlarged by adding an additional tower whose framework was the work of a marine architect. The dry moat surrounding the current buildings was protected by wetlands. A second wall, flanked by watchtowers stood outside the moat. It was a fortress, in modern terms a garrison house.
Hundred Years' War
In August–September 1377, King Charles VCharles V of France
Charles V , called the Wise, was King of France from 1364 to his death in 1380 and a member of the House of Valois...
decided to reclaim the region for the Kingdom of France
Kingdom of France
The Kingdom of France was one of the most powerful states to exist in Europe during the second millennium.It originated from the Western portion of the Frankish empire, and consolidated significant power and influence over the next thousand years. Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, developed a...
. He sent his brother, Louis I, Duke of Anjou, who marched into the region during the summer of 1377. Initially, the expedition was easy: the small neighboring towns of Bergerac submitted, including La Force
La Force, Dordogne
La Force is a commune in the Dordogne department in Aquitaine in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
. But when he realized that the Anglo-Gascon, Perducat d'Albret, governor of Bergerac, was determined to resist, he called for help from the Constable du Guesclin
Bertrand du Guesclin
Bertrand du Guesclin , known as the Eagle of Brittany or the Black Dog of Brocéliande, was a Breton knight and French military commander during the Hundred Years' War. He was Constable of France from 1370 to his death...
. Seeking to avoid losses, the Duke and Constables were confined primarily to a few useless skirmishes. It was decided to send a soldier to La Réole
La Réole
La Réole is a commune in the Gironde department in Aquitaine in southwestern France.-Geography:La Réole is located on the right bank of the Garonne, southeast of Bordeaux by rail.-History:...
in order to bring back a sow or "turtle" (a huge rolling machine that could hold a hundred men and throw huge stones), but the Anglo-Gascon Sir Thomas Felton, Senechal of Guyenne
Guyenne
Guyenne or Guienne , , ; Occitan Guiana ) is a vaguely defined historic region of south-western France. The Province of Guyenne, sometimes called the Province of Guyenne and Gascony, was a large province of pre-revolutionary France....
, arrived quickly from Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in the Gironde department in southwestern France.The Bordeaux-Arcachon-Libourne metropolitan area, has a population of 1,010,000 and constitutes the sixth-largest urban area in France. It is the capital of the Aquitaine region, as well as the prefecture...
with a squad in order to cut their road. Du Guesclin
Bertrand du Guesclin
Bertrand du Guesclin , known as the Eagle of Brittany or the Black Dog of Brocéliande, was a Breton knight and French military commander during the Hundred Years' War. He was Constable of France from 1370 to his death...
heard of the intentions of Felton and sent a strong company to reinforce the squad. The clash took place near Eymet
Eymet
-External links:*...
, and the troops of Charles V won the battle. There were many killed and wounded, and Sir Thomas Felton and Gaillard de Durfort
Durfort (family)
Durfort is the name of a French noble family, distinguished in French and English history.Durfort is a village of southwestern France, formerly in the province of Guienne, now in the département of Tarn-et-Garonne, 18 m. NW of Montauban by road...
were taken prisoner. In August 1377, Du Guesclin used his advantage to overwhelm and lay siege to Duras and Gageac, despite the fact that Gageac had a reputation of being untouchable. Constable Guesclin, excelling in the art of sieges, knew the best use of any ballistic and relied heavily on terror carried out in its own name. He stayed five days outside Gageac. The Anglo-Gascon of Gageac thinking he would go away, had not stored enough food to outlast a long siege. After the first bombing, the defenders capitulated. They knew that if the constable succeeded, it could be ended by a massacre. In order to not be taken from the rear, Du Guesclin ordered his crossbowmen and the "sow" to bombard Bergerac. The people of Bergerac and Perducat, feeling isolated, decided to open the city. Perducat d’Albret fled with his troops and took refuge in his fortified house in Montcuq where nobody came to fetch him. On September 2, 1377, consuls and aldermen met in the church of St Jacques and took an oath to the Duke of Anjou. War ended, and there was no reason to have a stronghold.
Conversion to a residence
Gaillard de DurfortDurfort (family)
Durfort is the name of a French noble family, distinguished in French and English history.Durfort is a village of southwestern France, formerly in the province of Guienne, now in the département of Tarn-et-Garonne, 18 m. NW of Montauban by road...
of Duras decided to convert Gageac into a residence, which was later added onto by the d'Essenault de Castelnau and then by the du Reclus. All of these embellished the chateau to make it more livable. Between the seventeenth and early eighteenthcenturies, Gageac was profoundly transformed and beautified. The main building was overcome by attics, 3 doubles and 2 singles from north to south. There is still one in the front, a floor was removed and large windows were opened.
In going to the pigeon loft
Dovecote
A dovecote or dovecot is a structure intended to house pigeons or doves. Dovecotes may be square or circular free-standing structures or built into the end of a house or barn. They generally contain pigeonholes for the birds to nest. Pigeons and doves were an important food source historically in...
, there is a small well-shaped square, one of the oldest in the village. The legend says that the Virgin would have appeared, and processions taking place there each year with the beautiful virgin gilt located right in the chapel of the church.
The impressive pigeon loft of 7 meters in diameter and about 10 meters high was built facing the castle and was the mark of Lordship. The pigeon loft had several functions: to provide meat and to produce fertilizer for the vineyard.
The ground level was made for the poultry. The dovecote was situated on the first floor. Nest boxes were accessible with a ladder but we do not know the number because the interior has been modified over the years. Note that the regulation of the number of nests was strict and could not be more than 5 acres (20,234.3 m²) per nest. The pigeon was marked by a stone above the front door but we do not know its meaning thereof. The frame, cover and upper frieze were completely restored in 2009. du Reclus’ family, who had visited the court of Versailles for the favor of the King, had a very expensive life, so Gageac was forgotten. In the 19th century buildings were in very bad states, the Doussaut de la Primaudiere helped by their son-in-law revived the castle with modern techniques. The main staircase was doubled in the West Dungeon. They opened a window mullions to create an extra room. The interior layout has been redefined by briquetting walls and plastered. Old fireplaces were removed and replaced with modern ones. The north terrace was made with fills of old fortifications and a monumental gate has been created. The source was channeled to flow into ponds redesigned (note the large pond is deep enough about 1.20 m. An accident has already occurred) The follies of the nineteenth were also the era of romanticism, they created an avenue for the arrival of carriages through the woods. They planted an avenue of majestic cedar of Lebanon. Unfortunately it was partially swept away by the last two storms.
The mulberry bushes along the road were for rearing Bombyx (silkworm), and were a great success in the 1870s.
Bombyx feed on mulberry leaves, tree whose growth is very rapid. the cocoon formed, it must be boiled before the worms eat it. Then it is sent to Lyon, the capital of silk, to be unwound, thus forming the floss, the quality of the silk permit get my ancestor the best rewards. These mulberry therefore have a history, they are troublesome for modern vehicles, but they add a certain charm in this environment.
Gageac still belongs to the family de la Verrie de Vivans originating of Siorac en Périgord, descendant of the famous Captain Geoffrey de Vivans. The family are here over six generations.