Cramaille Castle

Cramaille Castle, locally known as Château de Cramaille, lies in the village with the same name, in the Aisne department in France.

Cramaille Castle was built in the 14th century. It belonged to the Lords of Cramaille who held the title of baron.

In the 16th century, during the reign of the French King Francis I, Cramaille Castle was transformed into the style of the Renaissance.

In May 1642 Cramaille Castle was plundered by the armies from Lorraine. In 1652 they again plundered the castle. Shortly after the army of the Prince of Condé passed through the village and plundered what was left of the castle by the Lorraine armies.

Cramaille Castle was destroyed during the French Revolution after which its remains fell to ruin.

The remains at present are a medieval circular tower, a ruined dovecote and a ruined domestic building. The castle terrain is private property and can not be visited. It seems not to be used for anything other than the storage of some rusted and overgrown agricultural machines.

A nice castle but not very spectacular. Although I very much like the circular opening in the floor of the medieval tower; maybe this was an oubliette?

Gallery