The Salamander Tower is an old 11th-century keep. Expanded over time into a fortress overlooking the Hantes Valley, it is the historical origin of the town of Beaumont. As the most significant remaining vestige of the former city walls, it now houses a museum tracing the history of the town.
Galerie photos
Par Jean-Pol GRANDMONT — Travail personnel, CC BY 3.0, Lien
History
In the year 1070, a keep was erected on the edge of a small plateau overlooking the Hantes Valley by 30 meters on its right bank. Now known as the Salamander Tower, this keep was built by Richilde, Countess of Hainaut, to defend the southern part of the County of Hainaut.
Under Baldwin IV and Baldwin V, a fortress was constructed to protect the new settlement developing on the plateau. Both the fortress and the keep were likely destroyed by fire around 1340. Throughout the 15th century, thanks to its fortress and strong walls, Beaumont escaped the devastation that accompanied the conflicts ravaging the region.
In 1453, the land of Beaumont passed to the House of Croÿ, especially to its first prominent figure, Antoine, known as “the Great Croÿ.” The fortress became a castle. The Croÿ family grew in influence and made Beaumont their regular residence. The castle became a palace, and the settlement transformed into a significant town. Antoine was succeeded by his son Philippe, advisor to the Duke of Burgundy, and by Guillaume de Croÿ-Chièvres, tutor of Charles V. The famous Charles de Croÿ—born (1560) and deceased (1612) in Beaumont—made the castle-fortress his preferred residence.
The 17th century was a century of misfortune. After the plague of 1632, which decimated the population, came war. In 1637, the town was besieged for the first time. Its walls were left weakened: fire and modern artillery inflicted serious breaches. In 1655, Turenne’s troops ravaged the area. As retaliation for a refusal to cooperate, the town was burned. Barely thirty houses were spared. The castle, the church, and the Salamander Tower were left in ruins. Of the three kilometers of ramparts, only a third remained. Of the four gates, only a postern survived.
The Tower Today
The Salamander Tower now houses a museum retracing the origins and history of the town of Beaumont and the history of its fortifications. Reproductions of the famous miniatures of Charles de Croÿ related to the County of Beaumont are displayed. Engravings and documents illustrate the close ties between Charles V and the Croÿ family. On the upper floors, visitors will find genealogical descriptions and memorabilia from the princely Caraman family.
The museum also highlights Napoleon’s stay in Beaumont: during the night of June 14 to 15, 1815, he lodged in the private mansion of Maurice de Caraman, located on the town’s main square, now home to the Paridaens secondary school. From the tower’s terrace, visitors can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the Hantes Valley (to the south) and the town of Beaumont (to the north).
