This room is 4m in diameter and the chamfered ribs divide the vault in six unequal sections called jack arches. The keystone represents « a double rose separated by small berries »» (Barbier de Montault).

The chimney in the room suggests that this room was to become a living room and bedroom. Its making and size invite us to think that it was destined for members of the lord’s family.

Look at the odd culs-de-lampe mixing crockets, trefoils, triple foliage rings and a simple looking man.

The jambs and the mantel piece of the chimney fit together, reinforced by little steps carved in both elements.

On both sides of the chimney, note the presence of stone spandrels, a sort of medieval shelf, where domestic utensils would be kept.

Also note four notches carved in the inner sides of the jambs. We don’t know what the purpose for them was, but they could have been used to cure meet or fish suspended on metal rods inserted into the notches.

The hauberk, or coat of mail, was worn by knights between ca. 1100 and 1300, with or without a ventail, a hood, both made of the same material: metal mails sown together. The hauberk was worn below the knee and was split on both sides to allow mounting or dismounting a horse. Knights started wearing a sort of long tunic over their hauberk from the XIII^th c., on which they started painting their blazon. It is what we call the coat of arms. A belt, a shield, a helmet and a nasal completed the knight’s protective equipment.

Take the stairs again to the second floor. Note while walking upwards, the walled-up door to your left. That is thought to have originally led to the upper storey of a previous building, or to a walk-walk.

© March 2023