Château de Barbezieux 2.23

The Château de Barbezieux is a castle situated in the commune of Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire, in the Charente département of France. It dates from 1453, though an earlier castle, of which no trace remains, stood on the site from the early 11th century. The castle has been listed since 1913 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.HistoryThe present castle was built on the orders of Marguerite de La Rochefoucauld in 1453 to provide work during a time of famine.The castle has been the property of many of the great names and families of French history, notably Barbezieux, La Rochefoucauld, d’Espinay de Duretal, Schomberg-Vignier, Richelieu, Le Tellier and Louvois.Sold during the French Revolution, the south east corner was strengthened by the département and used as a prison until 1820. In 1844, the castle was bought by the town which flattened part and restored the rest for a variety of uses.In 1860, part of the building was converted under the direction of architect Pierre Lacombe for use as a hospital, until 1908, and a girls' school. From 1900, the former stables have been used as a theatre. About 1922, a new building was constructed at the west by architect Maurice Mignon and houses a library.