The stronghold dates to the thirteenth century and was originally called Motte Bauçay (or Baussay). The castle is a former stronghold of the Bauçay family, lords of Loudun. The Motte Baussay was taken several times by the English during the Hundred Years’ War[1] and devastated during the French Revolution.
It was bought in 1809 by François Hennecart, a wealthy businessman. In 1857, it was sold to Baron Joseph Lejeune. In 1932, a major fire destroyed most of the buildings in the castle.[2]
In December 2017, 18,600 members of an online community raised €1,600,000, by paying at least €50 each, to purchase the castle with the aim of restoring it.[3]
