Archaeologists search 1000 year old castle mounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The castle mounds of the hamlet of La Tour, near Chénérailles, are still once under the spotlight of passionate researchers. The University of Amiens is sending troops to storm the stronghold of Earl of March and its former dependencies. For nearly 15 days, they will return to this place in our history in order to find traces of the past.

 

Many pieces were found during a search in 1865 and these can be seen in the museum of Gueret. Swords, coats of mail, crossbows and other discoveries have suggested that this is an important historical site.

 

After a long sleep the 1000 year old castle mounds are being revitalized by an association of more than one hundred members. Tours are organized throughout the summer but there are also historians, archaeologists and specialists who are constantly returning to mounds and consider it may be a reference historical site. After ten years of research the historical knowledge was communicated at conferences and seminars. Thus the association was formed and decided to take action four years ago.

 

In February 2014, the university made topographical surveys and dating. This year, further work is required with samples and to trace research to validate some assumptions. This site is believed to be a major place of the confrontation between the Duchy of Aquitaine and Kingdom of France around the year one thousand. It is said by the Counts of the March, that it is the border between the two contenders. The presence of 4 castle mounds (only 3 remain) reveal the challenges of the rival powers.

 

The arrival of archaeologists for the second consecutive year is good news for the future of the site and the association. It is recognition of the merits of the creation of a tour circuit around places whose registration as historical monuments is ongoing.

 

 

 

 

It is almost seven years since the idea of the development of the feudal mottes was launched, and six years since our association embarked on this project, sometimes considered to be a little crazy. In 2012 a bridge was installed on the circuit, the site was cleaned and explanatory panels placed on the route. 200 visitors came to see the site during the Heritage weekend

 

In 2013, for the first time, the site was opened to the public in July and August. The challenge was be open for 50 days, every afternoon, with a team of two people to welcome and to offer tours of the site making its fascinating history come to life. The goal we set was for 500 paying visitors, an average of 10 per day. Signs were made, painted and placed on the access roads.

 

Advertising flyers were widely disseminated. Everyone was ready.

 

The month of July was too hot but August was cooler and more favourable for visitors. The 500th visitor arrived in the last week of opening and the target was reached. 500 visitors is exactly the number received by our partner, the chateau of Villemonteix, during the first year it was open to the public, more than 20 years ago. So the association and the village can be proud of its heritage and its people when mobilized, can achieve great things. In addition, the Departmental Committee of Tourism has included the mottes site again in the 2017 passport scheme, which is recognition in itself.

 

In 2017 the work will continue and a study is underway to see what improvements can be made to the site. Discussions are taking place to have it ranked as an historical monument. In early summer, we will organize on the site, or nearby, a medieval dinner (in the ambience of that epoch) with an interesting menu and surprise entertainment. The date will be announced in advance, and booking will be required to secure your place. The tourist season will be officially launched and everyone will be invited.

 

If you wish to participate in our great adventure why not join us in the association, you will be very welcome. We have lots of surprises in store for 2017.

 

A.Lavedrine

President