Château de la Marthonie
Le Bourg, 24800 Saint-Jean-de-Côle
Dordogne
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
The origins of the Castle of Marthonie go back up(raise) to the XIIth century, period to which amounts in this location a "den" which defends(forbids) border between Limousin and Périgord. This primitive(initial) fortress checks(controls) so, at the level of the ford on Côle, ways leading from Thiviers to Nontron and from Limoges to Brantôme.
The castle also ensures then the safety(security) of the Priory and of the village which built itself around this one.
During Hundred Years' War, the castle is taken and burnt down by the English people, who occupy the village from 1394 till 1404.
At the beginning of the XVIth century, the castle is rebuilt by MONDOT OF MARTHONIE, first president of the Parliament of Bordeaux, adviser(councillor) of Régente Louise de Savoie (mother of François Ier, left fighting in Italy).
In the XVIIth century, a wing is added to the castle, as well as the monumental staircase, in right(straight) banisters.
By alliance(wedding ring), the castle passes to the family of BEYNAC in 1691, then to the family of BEAUMONT in 1761.
After the Second World War, the castle, very harmed, is restored by the marquess Pierre de BEAUMONT-BEYNAC, current owner of the castle, which obtained in 1968 the price(prize) of the «heads of works in danger». The facade is of the Castle of Marthonie is currently under way of restoration(catering). A document in Braille is at arrangement(disposal) in the Tourist office.
Merkoù
Château, hôtel urbain, palais, manoir & Monument historique
©Château de la Marthonie
