Rambures Castle

Rambures Castle, locally known as Château Fort de Rambures, lies in the village of the same name in the Somme department in France.

Construction of Rambures Castle started before 1421, probably around 1412 by David de Rambures. At that time, during the Hundred Years' War, it was located near the frontier between the French and English territories. David didn't see it completed, for he died in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. His descendants completed the building in 1470, after the war had already ended. The castle was constructed within a dry moat and was built largely of brick, a defensive measure against the then new artillery, with some limestone. It was one of the first castles in Europe to be constructed almost exclusively in brick.

Until 1645 Rambures Castle was owned by the Rambures family. Then it went to the La Roche Fontenilles family through marriage. Descendants of this family still own the castle at present.

During the 17th century the castle was dismantled and made fit for more comfortable living conditions. In the first half of the 20th century the castle had fallen into disrepair and was not inhabitable anymore. From 1960 on a slow restoration of its interior and exterior commenced, which is now almost complete.

The castle can be visited for a fee. Sadly enough the castle was just closing when I visited, so I'll have to return to visit its interior. A very nice, robust and compact castle.

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