Château de Bry

Nestled in the charming town of Bry-sur-Marne, the Château de Bry stands as a testament to centuries of French history, architectural evolution, and cultural significance. This elegant château, which has weathered the storms of war and the passage of time, now serves as a private Catholic school, continuing its legacy of influence and education.

The Historical Roots of Château de Bry

The origins of the Château de Bry can be traced back to the early 17th century. Originally situated on the lands of the fief of Hôtel-Fort, the estate moved to its current location in 1622. It was here that François Ours Miron, a royal advisor, commissioned the construction of a new residence. This marked the beginning of the château's storied history.

In 1696, the estate came into the possession of the Frémont d'Auneuil family. The château underwent significant reconstruction during the 1750s and 1760s under their ownership. Adrien Robert de Frémont d'Auneuil, the Marquis of Charleval and Rosay, initiated the enhancement of the château's axial perspective during this period.

The Silhouette Era

A pivotal chapter in the château's history began in 1760 when it was acquired by Étienne de Silhouette, the former Controller-General of Finances under Louis XV. Silhouette embarked on an ambitious project to transform and expand the château. Contrary to popular belief, the architect behind these renovations was not Jean-Baptiste Bullet de Chamblain but François II Franque. In 1764, Franque presented Silhouette with a plan to enlarge the château by adding a wing.

The central body of the château was rebuilt, doubled in depth, and flanked by two symmetrical wings, creating an H-shaped layout. The structure was surrounded by an English courtyard, and its distinctive features included two rotundas connecting the wings to the central body. Silhouette also established a library within the château, housing an impressive collection of 7,000 volumes.

Revolution and Reconstruction

After Silhouette's death in 1767, his cousin and heir, Clément de Laage, continued the work on the château. However, the tumultuous events of the French Revolution brought significant changes. Clément de Laage was executed in 1794 along with other tax farmers, and the château was confiscated as a national asset. It was later repurchased by Clément's son, Philippe de Laage, in 1799.

The château briefly served as the residence of Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord between 1803 and 1808. In 1816, Philippe de Laage sold the château to Baron Louis, a prominent finance minister. Upon Baron Louis's death in 1837, the estate was inherited by his nieces and eventually sold to François Jules Devinck, an industrialist and politician, in 1858.

War and Restoration

The Château de Bry faced one of its most challenging periods during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. It was heavily damaged by French artillery fire aimed at dislodging Prussian officers using the château as a meeting point. The resulting fire severely damaged the structure, but the walls remained intact. The château was subsequently rebuilt, although the reconstruction altered the wings and façades significantly.

Despite these changes, some elements of the château's 18th-century interior décor survived, including a set of four over-door panels depicting the seasons, attributed to Jean-Henri Keller, and four stucco bas-reliefs.

Modern Transformation

In 1903, the château was transformed into an institution for young people by Eugène Robert, a professor at the Albert-de-Mun College. On March 7, 1925, the château was acquired by the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint-Thomas de Villeneuve. The sisters established a private Catholic school on the premises and added a chapel to the anterior façade.

Visiting Château de Bry Today

Today, the Château de Bry continues to serve as a place of education and reflection. While it may not be open to the general public due to its function as a private school, its historical significance and architectural beauty make it a noteworthy landmark in Bry-sur-Marne. The château's rich history, from its early days as a royal advisor's residence to its current role in education, reflects the enduring legacy of this remarkable estate.

Visitors to Bry-sur-Marne can admire the château from the outside, taking in its elegant design and imagining the stories that have unfolded within its walls over the centuries. The Château de Bry stands as a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of history.