The History Uncovered
It all began here
Montmagner is mentioned in the archives as far back as the 12th century when it was a village consisting of 250 acres and many dwellings, one of those dwellings was the coach house which is still in existence flanked by stables, piggeries and other vast outbuildings.
This cluster of buildings belonged to the community of priests of Saint-Maximin de Magnac-Laval and was of great importance to the church being located at the cross roads and the central pilgrimage stop over between two abbeys.
In the 14th century Montmagner in its entirety was sold for 12 bushels of rye to the Marcoul Family. It was in 1360 that the Chateau was built by Jean Marcoul. Lord of Montmagner.
The Towers
In its original incarnation, Chateau De Montmagner boasted 4 defense towers. During the reign of Louis XIII of France, his chief prime minister, Armand Jean du Plessis, Duke of Richelieu (also known as Cardinal Richelieu) wished to consolidate power from the nobility. Cardinal Richelieu was instrumental in changing France from a feudal society into a modern state. In 1626, he abolished the position of Constable of France and ordered all fortified castles razed, excepting only those needed to defend against invaders. Because of this decree, three out of the four towers
This tower can be seen in its original state with a ships mast as the central column and circular oak stairway leading up to the platformed observatory.
The Relais De Poste
The Marcoul family were notable members of French society and frequent visitors to the Royal Court, holding positions such as Musketeer to the King, Priest, gendarme of the king's guard, first mayor of Arnac, Notaires and president of the Court of Appeal of Limoges. Notoriety also followed the family with one of the members being imprisoned in La Souterrain Tower along with his entire family by order of the King for what reason we are yet to discover.
During the 18th century, the 12th Century buildings perpendicular to the Chateau were rented out to the post master to become a Relais De Poste for the Royal postal route from Paris to Toulouse. At this time Montmagner played an integral role to the Arnac community providing many jobs for entire families from black smiths, cooks, cleaners, stone masons, farmers the list is endless. Around the Chateau’s interior and exterior there can be found an abundance of historical markings and artifacts..
The Founders
The Marcoul family retained the name Lord De Montmagner and ownership of the village until the late 20th century. Through the years the village became smaller and smaller with each family member passing down through inheritance their part of the property and then selling it on, until now Montmagner consist of just 8 acres of land including park land, a lake, a small piece of woodland, the coach house, Chateau and tower and 4 outbuildings. Two of the destroyed towers have been made into pigeoneers by the lake side but still hold the character and original dressed stone.
Over the past century Montmagner has had several owners but the buildings have never been kept in good order and was then left abandoned until Lesa & Ted took over as the custodians. With a 10 year plan ahead of them they intend to renovate the buildings to include 4 self-contained apartments a small restaurant and a medieval venue, a two bedroom gite in the piggeries and eventually renovate the coach house into their own family home. It is their dream to bring this magnificent piece of history back to life and open to the public
Beyond the ordinary
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