Forgotten Castle Was Nearly Destroyed, Until French Preservationists Stepped In To Save It.

The grand splendor of a beautiful historic castle is breathtaking and one could spend years studying all of the amazing events that occurred over the ages. If the walls could talk, we are sure they would tell countless stories of royal escapades and elaborate parties.

One such castle is in jeopardy of being lost in the pages of history. The Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers is a beautiful structure that is surrounded by a medieval moat and tucked away in the woods of the Poitou-Charentes region of France. But nature is slowly taking over the grounds, covering up its’ rich history that traces all the way back to the 13th century.

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In the 13th Century, the wealthy Bauçay family owned its ground. They were not royalty, but reported directly to the king and had strong ties with those in power.

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The French lost control of the castle in the Middle Ages when it was taken by England. After the French regained the property it became famous for illustrious parties for royalty and the wealthiest lords of the nearby lands.

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After the French Revolution the castle went through a series of new landowners and investors. Then in the winter of 1932, a fire nearly destroyed the castle, after Baron Lejeune Edgar installed central heating.

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A French newspaper reported that what was lost in the fire was irreplaceable – a valuable library, antiques, and valuable paintings were all scorched. The chapel, the outbuildings and the dovecote were the only parts of the castle that remained untouched.

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Then in 1981, a former math teacher named Marc Deyemer stepped in, determined to restore the castle to its former glory. But his project came to a halt when a French bank, Crédit Lyonnais, purchased property surrounding the decaying castle, and threw up a bunch of red tape.

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But he was not alone in his quest. Today, fearing that the amazing castle will be lost to the elements of nature and time, a foundation called Friends of the Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers are seeking partners to spread the word. Preservationists are pressing forward with petitions in hopes that they can raise awareness for the fate of this beautiful structure, so they can repair the historic castle back to its original glory.

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We hope that the foundation will be able to turn back the damaging effects of nature and time and restore the gorgeous Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers.

Share this beautiful, nearly forgotten place with a friend and raise awareness!