Tour Tanguy

The exact period of the Tour Tanguy's construction is not precisely documented, but it is dated to the time of the Breton War of Succession in the 14th century. It may have served to protect or control river crossings. It is believed that either the English during their occupation or the Lords of Quilbignon, particularly Tanguy du Chastel, erected the fortress. The du Chastel family, whose coat of arms can be found below the Tour Tanguy's gate, played a role in the fight against the English and in the development of the right bank of the river. After being handed over to the English in 1341, the fortress was returned to Duke John V of Brittany in 1397. Until about 1580, the Tour Tanguy served as the seat of justice for the Lords of Le Châtel, but thereafter fell into disuse. In 1786, it became the property of the Rohan-Guéméné family, later royal property, and finally sold to a Mr. Gabon during the French Revolution.