Château d'Urtubie

English translation

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History

The lords of Urtubie are mentioned from the beginning of the 12th century. In 1341, they obtained from King Edward III of England the authorisation to build a stone castle with walls and ditches in order to protect this part of the border against enemy attacks. Some parts remain from this first manor, probably destroyed in the 15th century (gate house, keep, north and east sections of the walls topped by a wall walk). The building was reconstructed in 1505 and significant alterations were made to it in 1745: ditches filled in, addition of a building wing as well as turrets and windows. The entrance is made between two towers, united since by a construction. The castle proper is completely separated from these towers. It comprises a ground floor and two storeys united by a stone staircase located in a tower attached to the south facade. On the side opposite to the entrance is the chapel, later completed with a library, these two buildings also being separated from the main body. The interior retains a series of tapestries of the Flemish school representing episodes from the history of David. According to family tradition, these tapestries are said to have been brought from Paris on the occasion of the marriage of Louis XIV, in 1660, and left to the owners in recognition of the hospitality offered to personalities from the retinue of the king or of Mazarin. During the Revolution, the castle served as a residence and command post for republican generals.