Château de Domfront facts for kids
The Château de Domfront is a really old, ruined castle in a town called Domfront in France. It's in the Orne area.
This castle has been protected as a special historical place by the French Ministry of Culture since 1875. What's left of the castle includes its main tower (called a keep), the outer walls, strong ramparts, other towers, hidden rooms (called casemates), and the old chapels named Sainte-Catherine and Saint-Symphorien. Since 1984, a group called the Association pour la Restauration du Château de Domfront has been working to fix up the castle ruins.
Today, the ruins are in a public park. You can visit them for free!
Contents
A Look Back: Domfront Castle's History
Early Days and Big Changes
In 1051, the castle at Domfront belonged to Guillaume II Talvas. But it was taken over by the forces of Geoffrey of Anjou. William the Conqueror, who was the Duke of Normandy at the time, surrounded the castle.
Later, in 1092, the people of Domfront decided they didn't want to follow Robert II de Bellême anymore. They chose to support Henri Beauclerc, who was William the Conqueror's third son. Henri later became the Duke of Normandy in 1106 and then the King of England in 1100.
Important Meetings at the Castle
In 1169, something very important happened at the Château de Domfront. Henry II of England met with special messengers from the Pope. These messengers had come to help Henry make peace with Thomas Becket, a very important church leader.
Changing Hands: Royal Owners
In 1204, Domfront was owned by King John of England. The castle was taken and then given to different people. First, it went to Renaud de Dammartin, who was the Count of Boulogne. Later, it was given to Philippe Hurepel. When Philippe's daughter, Jeanne, died in 1251, Domfront became part of the French royal family's land.
In 1259, Louis IX of France gave Domfront to Robert II, who was the Count of Artois. This was part of a special gift for his wife. After Robert II died in 1302, his grandson, Robert III of Artois, was given the lands in Normandy in 1332.
In 1342, Philip VI of France gave the Domfront area to the Count of Alençon. By 1367, Domfront and Alençon were joined together.
Wars and Sieges
During this time, in 1356, soldiers from Charles II of Navarre (also known as Charles the Bad) took over the castle. They were led by Sir Robert Knolles and held the castle until 1366.
In the winter of 1417-1418, the English army, led by the Duke of Clarence, surrounded the castle. It finally fell to them on July 10, 1418. The French managed to get it back for a short time in 1430. But it was finally taken back by the French for good on August 2, 1450.
The ownership of the castle was argued about again in 1466 and 1467.
The Final Siege and Demolition
In 1574, the Château de Domfront was a safe place for the Count of Montgomery. Royal troops, led by the Marshal of Matignon, surrounded the castle. The Count gave up on May 27. He was later put to death in Paris in 1574 by order of the Queen.
Finally, in 1608, a man named Maximilien de Béthune, duc de Sully ordered that the castle be torn down.
See also
- List of castles in France
