Château Mouton-Rothschild: The Return of the French
Although under English rule during the early years of the 15th century, the seigneurie of Moton came in 1451 to Jean de Dunois (1402 – 1468), the illegitimate son of Louis I, Duc d’Orléans (1372 – 1407) and more colourfully known as the Bâtard d’Orléans. The arrival of this new tenant surely reflected waning English influence in the region. Although the Battle of Castillon in 1453 is widely regarded as the final conflict of the Hundred Years’ War, in fact the region largely reverted to French rule in 1451, following a significant French victory in which Dunois saw action.
In view of his role it is perhaps no surprise that he should take possession of an estate such as this; indeed, perhaps he saw his new dominion as a prize? He settled down to his new role as lord of the manor, and lived out his years here. His family took on the estate after his death, remaining at the property until the end of the 15th century at which time it was acquired by Jean de Foix (1414 – 1485), Comte de Benauges, apparently given directly to the family by the crown. One can only assume that the Dunois descendants, seemingly out of favour, were forced to pack up and leave.
