St. Aubin-du-Cormier Castle

St. Aubin-du-Cormier Castle, locally known as Château de Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier, lies in the town of the same name, in the Ille-et-Vilaine department in France.

Building of St. Aubin-du-Cormier Castle was ordered in 1225 by Peter I, Duke of Brittany. It was part of a string of castles protecting the Duchy of Brittany, stretching from the Channel to the Atlantic, of which the castles of Fougères, Vitré and Grand-Fougeray were also a part. After the death of Louis VIII of France in 1226, Peter changed allegiance and fought for King Henry III of England. The French army, under orders from Louis IX of France, unsuccessfully attempted a siege in 1231, but Peter finally handed over the castle in 1234 when he submitted to the king of France.

During the War of Breton Succession, the castle was taken by Charles de Blois, Duke of Brittany, in 1342 before it was handed over to John of Montfort in 1381.

The castle was remodeled in 1430 and incorporated into the newly built town walls. In 1488, during the Mad War, the Breton forces suffered a decisive defeat at the hand of the French Royal Army at the nearby Battle of St. Aubin-du-Cormier which quickly brought about the capitulation of the feudal lords to the French monarchy. This probably caused St. Aubin-du-Cormier Castle to be dismantled and abandoned in 1490.

At present St. Aubin-du-Cormier Castle can freely be visited. Not a very spectacular castle ruin, although the ruined keep is impressive.

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