BANAL/VAILLY SHORT

THE VESTIGES OF THE FEODAL CHATEAU XII or XIII century

The history of the castle of Vailly-sur-Sauldre is that of a metamorphosis of a strategic medieval fortress towards a more peaceful mansion. This site has traversed centuries by adapting to the needs of its lords.

The first castle was a feudal fortress built on a relatively regular octagonal plane, with eight towers protruding at the angles, only a few crows remain, which supported the heavy or the mâchicoulis, and the north-west tower, which houses the ordinary oven (see text on oven). It was surrounded by wide ditches fed by the Sauldre, serving as a bulwark against enemy incursions, especially during the Hundred Years War. The castle is extremely damaged during conflicts with the English. In 1626 Richelieu ordered his destruction. The fortress then became a stone quarry, like the other castles that Richelieu asked for destruction. Around 1910, a large part of the building was demolished. The castle today:

Unfortunately, as many buildings of this importance, the time and vicissitudes of history (including the French Revolution and the 19th century reshuffles) changed its original appearance. Jackets: Today, one can still admire significant elements of the old castle, including some towers and some of the houses' bodies that bear witness to its past grandeur.

Private Heritage : The site remains a private property, which has allowed its conservation, although its access is generally limited.

BANAL FOUR

The inhabitants of the seigneury are obliged to use this oven, belonging to the seigneur, on payment of a fee.

The tower in which it is arranged is the only one remaining of the eight that the castle once included.

It is restored but is no longer as high as originally.

This oven remains in working order.

According to a custom, abandoned in the second half of the 20th century, once a year, at the beginning of autumn, the inhabitants of the Old Castle Street and the neighbourhood make a cake, a potato pâté or a pie, which they cook in the oven. The dishes are then shared, on the occasion of a party.