La Mothe-en-Bassigny
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La Mothe-en-Bassigny was a Lorraine citadel, directed at the 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 became soon an important centre for commerce, counting 2000 inhabitants.
In the 17th century, the Duke of Lorraine Charles IV looses all his possessions to cardinal Richelieu except La Mothe. In 1634 it withstands a siege of 141 days before surrendering on July 26.
Given back to the Duke in 1641, La Mothe is 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 is forced to surrender on July 1 1645, after a resistance of 205 days.
In contrary to the agreement, Mazarin not only destroys the fortifications, but also the entire city.
This period was always a painful memory in Lorraine. The French autorities were aware of this since, when France was divided in departments, the border of Haute-Marne made a strange loop to include "La Mothe". This removes a potentialy dangerous symbol from the territory of Lorraine.
The ruins were classified "historical monument" in 1923 and important restoration works have been undertaken.
