The Castle of Terre Neuve in Fontenay-le-Comte, Vendée, France, is a historic château dating back to the 1580s and 1590s. It has been designated as an official historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture since 1978. The castle was originally built for Nicolas Rapin, a prominent figure known for his military career, poetry, and legal expertise. Over the years, the castle changed ownership, including a period when it was occupied by Vincentian priests during the French Revolution.
In the 19th century, Octave de Rochebrune, a notable owner of the castle, made significant contributions to its preservation and enriched its cultural heritage. He was not only a skilled engraver but also a mayor of Fontenay-le-Comte. Rochebrune's efforts included collecting architectural elements and furniture from various sources, such as the castle of Coulonges-sur-l'Autize and Château de Chambord, which were integrated into the Castle of Terre Neuve. His dedication to preserving heritage and his artistic contributions left a lasting impact on the castle.
In summary, the Castle of Terre Neuve is a historically significant château in Fontenay-le-Comte, with a rich history of ownership and cultural preservation efforts, particularly during Octave de Rochebrune's time.
References:Towering 52 meters above the sea, Bengtskär lighthouse is the tallest one in Scandinavia. The building started in in 1905 after the shipwreck of S/S Helsingfors and was completed in 1906. The lighthouse was designed by architect Florentin Granholm. On December a special petrol lantern, designed and built in Paris, was brought to Bengtskär and installed atop the tower.
German fleet bombarded Bengstkär in the First World War in 1914. Since the Gulf of Finland was heavily mined, it was not until 1919 that the surrounding seas were declared safe for shipping, that the light was lit again.
After the war the military value of Bengtskär increased as part of the defence system of independent Finland. In Second World War (1941) Soviet Union made a suprise attack to island. After a bloody battle, the small Finnish garrison emerged victorious. Intermittent repairs to the facility continued during the post-war period.