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:The first written record of church in Danmark locality date back to the year 1291. Close to the church are several stones with a Christian text and cross inscribed. The oldest parts of the present red-brick church are from the 1300s. In the late 1400s the church was enlarged to the appearance it has today. The church has been modified both internally and externally several times, among other things after the fires in 1699 and 1889. There are lot of well-preserved mural paintings in the walls.