Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: keep

Beaugency was an important place already within the 11th century. It has been the site of numerous military conflicts. During the Hundred Years' War it was occupied on four separate occasions by English troops. In 1429, it was the site of the Battle of Beaugency, when it was freed by Joan of Arc. It was burned down and looted by the Protestants in 1567, creating an extensive damage to the walls, the castle, and the churches. In 1870 the Prussian army defeated the French army of the Loire in the second Battle of Beaugency. During WWII the city was bombed twice by the German Luftwaffe. The keep, named "Tour de César", is still 36m high. It dates back to the 11th century, but got enlarged and modified a couple of times later.

Evening in Étampes. Since the times of Hugh Capet, the first King of the Franks of the House of Capet, Étampes was an important place. It was a crown domain between Paris and Orleans. Hugh´s son Robert II ("Robert the Pious") had a fortified stronghold here. The Château d'Étampes suffered from sieges during the Hundred Years' War and got destroyed on order of Henry IV (aka "Henri-Quatre"), the first French King from the House of Bourbon. The ruined keep of the castle, named "Tour de Guinette", still overlooks the city.

Saint Miguel, the parish church, was already some centuries old, when this tower got constructed within the 14th and15th century. A fortified palace for the noble Ozta family in medieval times. At the time the entrance was half way up. The massive tower escaped the demolition decreed in 1512, but was set on fire during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1812). Only the outer walls were left standing. Meanwhile the tower is fully restored and now is the seat of the local council.