La Mothe-en-Bassigny

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A citadel of the Lorraine, La Mothe-en-Bassignywas meant to repel French invaders. It was destroyed in 1645 and is now a ruin.

It is situated near Neufchâteau, between the villages of Outremécourt and Soulaucourt-sur-Mouzon.

[edit] History

The citadel was founded in 1258, and soon became an important centre for commerce, counting as many as 2000 inhabitants.

In the 17th century, the Duke of Lorraine Charles IV lost all his possessions to cardinal Richelieu except La Mothe. In 1634 the citadel withstood a siege of 141 days before surrendering on July 26.

Given back to the Duke in 1641, La Mothe was besieged again between July 25 and August 30 1642. And a third time between December 1642 and May 1643.

Mazarin started another siege on December 4 1644 and now the exhausted city was forced to surrender on July 1 1645, after a resistance of 205 days.

Contrary to the agreement, Mazarin destroyed not only the fortifications, but also the entire city.

This period was always a painful memory in Lorraine. The French authorities were aware of this since, when France was divided into departments, the border of Haute-Marne made a strange loop to include "La Mothe". This removed a potentially dangerous symbol from the territory of Lorraine.

The ruins were classified "historical monument" in 1923 and large-scale restoration work was undertaken.