Briffœil Castle

Briffœil Castle, locally known as Château de Briffœil, lies east of the hamlet with the same name, in the province of Hainaut in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

An earlier fortification at this site may have existed in the 12th or 13th century, when the land belonged to the Briffœil family.

In the 15th century, Briffœil Castle was a moated, quadrangular enclosure surrounded by corner towers. Inside the enclosure was a seignorial farm with stables, a manor, and a chapel. So, Briffœil Castle was likely built in the 13th or 14th century. The castle was often garrisoned, probably because of its proximity to the border between the German County of Hainaut and the French Tournaisis territory. When garrisoned, its owners, the d'Enghien family, lived elsewhere, and it was managed by a squire while its lands were overseen by a bailiff. The round tower visible today dates back to that period.

In 1477, Briffœil Castle was besieged unsuccessfully by French troops led by the Sire of Mouy for Louis XI of France. In 1478, the French returned to the area, and this time, chatelain Antoine de Mortagne, instead of abandoning the castle, set fire to it, leaving it in ruins. Later, it was rebuilt and came into the possession of the d'Argenteau and Merode families. They never resided in the castle but delegated its management to bailiffs.

In the 17th century, the domain of Briffœil passed to the Vilain de Gand family, who probably resided there occasionally, as it was rebuilt and repaired. The ruined stable building and the chapel of Saint-Georges we see today likely date back to that period. In 1655, French troops again besieged Briffœil Castle, this time led by Turenne, Marshal General of France for Louis XIV. The castle surrendered after a day. Afterward, French troops tore down its defenses and demolished the castle. Later that century, it was partially rebuilt.

Due to financial difficulties, the Vilain de Gand family sold the castle to the Hannecart family from Ath in 1705. They made it their primary residence. In 1745, the castle served as the headquarters for Prince William, Duke of Cumberland; Dominik von Königsegg-Rothenfels, Imperial Fieldmarshal; and Karl August, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont, during their preparations for the Battle of Fontenoy. The castle was renovated that year.

During the French Revolution, Briffœil Castle was confiscated, the Hannecart family fled and never returned, leaving the castle abandoned. Throughout the 19th century, the castle fell into disrepair. Finally, in 1869, it was sold at auction for building materials and subsequently demolished.

Today, the chapel is accessible freely, while the tower and stable ruins are on private farmland. A charming, forgotten castle.

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