CHATEAU DE LAMARQUE

The Domain of Lamarque derives its name from its position in the border “marches” of the region of Guyenne. Along with the forteresses of Lesparre to the North and Blanquefort to the South, the former Castle of Lamarque played a role in defending the Médoc against the attacks of the Vikings sailing up the Gironde estuary.
The foundations, a part of the defences and the chapel date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Around the primitive fortress, Pons de Castillon built the Château as we know it today in the 14th century, with its keep, tower, postern and battlements. The Duke of Gloucester and Henry V stayed there at the time when Aquitaine belonged to the English crown. When the province was finally returned to the King of France in 1453, Château de Lamarque served as the residence of several Governors of Guyenne, notably the Maréchal de Matignon who died there on 26 July 1597. In the 17th century, the Duke of Epernon made a few changes to adapt the building to the tastes of the time and Monsieur de Brassier was the last owner before the Revolution.