In the Middle Ages, the location of the castle at the bottom of the valley makes it a stronghold controlling the Mauldre, a river stretching over 30 km between Paris and Normandy.
The excavation focused on three points: the ravelin, the castle (west gate, paved driveway and keep) and the counterscarp (outside slope of the ditch). Each of these geographical areas has a major importance in understanding the evolution of the castle and the urban fabric that is linked to it. The Château de Beynes has been constantly developed according to the economic situation of its time and changes in society.
A military fortress then a residence of pleasure
View of the eastern wall of the castle. © Ludovic Decock, Inrap 2014
Between the XIIe and the XVIe century, the castle undergoes important changes: first military fortress, it is transformed into a royal residence and presents an architectural and morphological evolution in line with its time.
In 2010, the archaeological diagnosis revealed, in the moat, two semi-circular towers included in a perimeter wall. In addition, the study of the soil has led to the conclusion that there is a water moat. The dating provided by some ceramic shards indicates an abandonment of these fortified structures in the XVe century.
In 2014, the archaeological excavations carried out in the ravelin unearthed the first enclosure of the castle as well as the houses of the former farmyard attached to this wall. This is the first occupation before the enlargement of the fortification and the installation of the ravelin in the XVe century.
The excavation of the wall of the counterscarp confirmed the development of an access leading from the summit to the moat to the XVe century. The base of one of the old turrets was cleared, they faced the turrets of the ravelin and framed a bridge now disappeared.Vestiges of living walls testify to the presence of the medieval village that developed to the northwest.
Materials and furniture
The excavation made it possible to study the building and the materials used for the construction of the castle. All the siding was built of limestone, the internal tamping of the walls is composed of limestone and flint.
Ceramic containers with fine and dense paste dated between the end of XIIe and the XIVe century, especially many pitchers, attest to the privileged character of the places and the proximity of living spaces and service. Green and yellow terracotta tiles, on the floor and on the walls, emphasize an original decorative choice. Finally, some metallic objects are related, mainly, with the construction: elements of frame, fixing and punch.
© Ludovic Decock, Inrap 2014
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