Château des Anglais, Historic monument in Brengues, France
The Château des Anglais de Brengues is a medieval cliff fortress built in the 12th century, set into a rocky overhang high above the Célé river in the village of Brengues, in the Lot department of France. The structure has two levels: the lower one served as a guard room with latrines, while the upper floor, known as the noble floor, had three arched windows overlooking the valley.
The château dates back to the 12th century and was first owned by the Barasc de Béduer family before passing to the Cardaillac-Brengues family. In the 14th century, its entrance was reinforced to better resist attacks, and it later served as a prison during the Wars of Religion.
The name "Château des Anglais" means "Castle of the English," even though no English soldiers actually lived there. The name comes from the Hundred Years War period, when English-speaking mercenaries were active in the region and left a lasting impression on local memory.
The interior of the château is closed to visitors, but it can be seen clearly from a cliff trail that starts near the village. The path climbs along the rock face and requires some effort, so comfortable shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are helpful.
Although the château was listed as a historic monument in 1925, it is today owned by the municipality and remains fully closed. It belongs to a group of cliff dwellings in the area known locally as "Rocas," a type of fortification built directly into the limestone of the Célé valley.
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