What is the historical significance of this manor?

The site has roots in a 12th-century lordship, but its main building dates from the 15th century and the de la Bouverie family. It represents a preserved example of feudal and seigniorial architecture with motte remains.

Is there a literary connection to the manor?

Yes, critic Sainte-Beuve spent his youth at the château as a guest of the De Bonnières family in the 19th century and left descriptions of it, notably in his novel Volupté.

What transformations did the manor undergo?

Following its 15th-century construction, the building housed a Protestant place of worship in the 16th century, then underwent major modifications in the 17th and 18th centuries with the addition of an entrance wing and residential body, followed by outbuildings in the 19th century.

Manor in Wierre-au-Bois

Wierre-au-Bois

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Wierre-au-Bois

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Open within 20 km

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Manoir à Wierre-au-Bois stands in Wierre-au-Bois (Pas-de-Calais), in the Hauts-de-France region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 15th century, 17th century, 18th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

A 15th-century structure with medieval origins, the manor of Wierre-au-Bois represents a significant example of fortified architecture in the Boulonnais region. Built under Jean de la Bouverie, seneschal of the area, it underwent successive modifications from the 16th to the 19th century. The site preserves both the manor building and the remains of its feudal motte and historical fortifications.

What to know

The manor and its outbuildings preserve major elements from multiple centuries of occupation, from the 15th to the 19th century.
The site's archaeological remains include the former feudal motte and traces of the original fortifications.
The estate gained literary significance in the 19th century, particularly through its association with critic Sainte-Beuve, who resided there in his youth and left written descriptions of it.

Where this château is

Wierre-au-Bois · Pas-de-Calais · Hauts-de-France

Map of the area around Manoir à Wierre-au-Bois

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Wierre-au-Bois, Pas-de-Calais

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA62000048
Period of construction: 15th century, 17th century, 18th century

Itineraries

Castles near Lille and the Belgian border: 2 days by car

Frequently asked

What is the historical significance of this manor?: The site has roots in a 12th-century lordship, but its main building dates from the 15th century and the de la Bouverie family. It represents a preserved example of feudal and seigniorial architecture with motte remains.
Is there a literary connection to the manor?: Yes, critic Sainte-Beuve spent his youth at the château as a guest of the De Bonnières family in the 19th century and left descriptions of it, notably in his novel Volupté.
What transformations did the manor undergo?: Following its 15th-century construction, the building housed a Protestant place of worship in the 16th century, then underwent major modifications in the 17th and 18th centuries with the addition of an entrance wing and residential body, followed by outbuildings in the 19th century.