Château de Curton is a castle and a Bordeaux winery producing wines classified as Bordeaux AOC. The castle is situated on the edge of the town of Tizac-Curton, which takes its name from the first Seigneurs (lords) of Curton.
The earliest member of the Curton family documented in official texts is Raimond de Curton appearing in the 11th century, appearing as a Lord from the beginning of the 12th century. From the end of the 12th century, Regin de Curton made ties with the English Royal Family, signing a treaty in London. In the 13th century, the Curton Castle and its Lord, Amanieu de Curton appear in the records.
At the beginning of the Hundred Years' War, Edward III of England asked Arnaud, Lord of Curton, to remain loyal to him and defend Guyenna against the French attacks. As a reward, he granted him jurisdiction over the four parishes around Château de Curton, Daignac, Espiet, Grézillac and Tizac de Curton.
Later, two descendants of the Lord of Curton became famous during the war, Petiton de Curton who was a knight, and Sennebrun de Curton who fought along Edward, the Black Prince.
At the beginning of the 15th century, some sources state that the Lords of Curton went to England and are related to the present Cureton Family. The Château de Curton became the property of Louis de Beaumont before being captured by the French and was given to Jacques de Chabannes, Lord of Lapalice, who died in his new castle after becoming wounded at the Battle of Castillon.
Château de Curton remained the property of the Family Chabannes de Lapalice. In 1563, Curton Castle was made a marquisat for François de Chabannes. The castle was confiscated during the French Revolution and sold as national property to Citizen Rabeau. From this time, it was passed on through successive sales and weddings.
Since 1926, Château de Curton has been registered as a French National Monuments. It is a private property. Although there are no organized tour for visitors, the castle, a self-catering apartment is equipped inside the castle and available for guest rental.
References:Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.
The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.
These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.