Créminil Castle

Créminil Castle, locally known as Château de Créminil, lies east of the village of Estrée-Blanche, in the Pas-de-Calais department in France.

The first known owner of a fortification at this site was a Nicolas Crasmainil in 1210. In 1329, there was a Raoul du Cros Maisnil, vassal of the famous Countess Mahaut of Artois.

In 1443 Créminil Castle was built by the La May family on the ruins of its predecessor destroyed by the English after Crécy.

In 1540 Créminil Castle was owned by Hugues de Buleux (advisor to the regent of the Netherlands and grand bailiff of Aire). After the castle was burned in 1543 it was rebuilt in the 17th century.

In 1670 it was owned by Antoine de Wignacourt and from 1687 till the Revolution by the Merchiers family. Until 1978 Créminil Castle was owned by a Mrs Lhéritier whose family had it since the Revolution.

This late medieval castle consists of an irregular polygon with twelve sides, built on a small mound surrounded by a large round moat fed by water from the Laquet stream. In the 18th century 3 sides of polygon to the south were torn down and replaced by a terrace lined with stone balusters to provide a better view of the surrounding gardens. Also the facades of the buildings on the courtyard were rebuilt.

This is a lovely little castle. It was closed when I came by and I don't know if it ever opens up for visitors. The gardens however were freely accessible.

Very nearby lies Liettres Castle. It is really within viewing distance; rather peculiar having two medieval castles built so close together.

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