A forteress in the heart of History

The ruins we see today are what remain of an architectural masterpiece, commissionned at the very beginning of the 15th century, by John V, Lord of Créquy,of Canaples and of Fressin, Lord Chamberlain and friend of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. John V was also one of the first knights
of the Golden Fleece.

 The four towers, one at each corner, ensured the defence the Château, as well as three further towers which flanked the smaller courtyards. The lower courtyard was further protected by a surrounding wall, flanked and defended by nine more towers.

   The Château was only used for a short while, and only one of Jean V's descendents - Jean VI of Créquy lived there, in splendour.

   It is certain hat the fortress had a rôle to play during the cruel hostilities between France and Charles Quint before the Artois Region was reclaimed from the Spanish to become French once again.

 Its strategic importance was of some significance, since it controlled and could even block access to the Planquette Valley, through which troops regularly passed between Thérouanne and Hesdin. In 1658, the situation was reversed with the capture of Hesdin.But the intervention of Balthazar of Fargues proved fatal for the Château when it came under attack by cannon and explosives.

   In 1852, the Seillière family became the owners of what remained of the old Château. It is thanks to this family that the future of the Château was safeguarded. Since then it has had several owners.