Ronnet Tower

Ronnet Tower, locally known as Donjon de Ronnet lies in the village of the same name, in the Allier department in France.

Based on its design the construction of Ronnet Tower dates back to the late 12th or early 13th century. It was at that time at the edge of the historic province of Bourbonnais and is an example of a replacement in stone of an earlier wooden keep of a motte-castle. It belonged to the House of Bourbon.

In 1359 the Duke of Bourbon authorized the sale of the manor of Ronnet, then falling under the castellany of Hérisson, from Jehan de Repenti to Goussaut de Toury.

All the other structures of the castle of Ronnet have since long disappeared. The tower was probably only saved because of the poor quality of its stonework, in which there were few nicely cut stones. Originally entrance to the tower was only from an upper floor. The present-day entrance at ground level was made to allow shelter for cattle.

At present Ronnet Tower stands on a private field and can not be visited. It can however easily be seen from the road. A simple tower.

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