Château de Chabrillan explained

The Château de Chabrillan is a ruined castle in the commune of Chabrillan in the Drôme département of France.[1]

The castle was first mentioned in 1150, belonging to the "Chabreihha" family, who also owned Autichamp.[2]

On the northern side of the castle, the square keep is 20 m high with walls almost 2 m thick. Built in the 12th century to protect the lord and his family, it contains no comforts and was intended purely as a refuge. The only entrance to the keep was by a door about halfway up, reached by a wooden ladder. To the south, a round tower is more recent. Between the two were another keep and other buildings which were added later to form a complete fortress and to serve as a residence. To the east, a well provided water. A document from 1634 mentions a room for playing tens.[3]

The Moreton family left the castle around 1650 (their descendants still own it). At the time of the French Revolution, its roof had gone. It was declared a national asset and was used as a quarry, its stones being reused in buildings across the commune.[3]

The castle is privately owned. It has been listed since 1926 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

See also

External links

44.7242°N 4.9416°W

Notes and References

  1. Chabrillan municipal website: Tourisme
  2. http://amis-chabrillan.fr/?page_id=187 Chronologie historique
  3. http://amis-chabrillan.fr/?page_id=4423 Le château