Bourgtheroulde Mansion

Standing proudly on the charming Place de la Pucelle, the Bourgtheroulde Mansion is just one of many architectural gems in the city’s historic center. It was built at the end of the 16th century by William II of England, Lord of Bourgtheroulde, who wanted nothing more than a grand stone mansion to match his status. And that’s exactly what he did, building it in the Louis XII style, a perfect mix of flamboyant Gothic and early Renaissance styles, with elegant yet simple ornamentation. Upon his death in 1520, his eldest son William III took over, adding his own elegant touch. He added among other things the two stunning sculptures to the interior, just past the entrance to the left. The first, just below the roof, depicts scenes from Petrarch’s series of poems, entitled “Triumphs”. It’s a series of allegorical poems, divided into 6 chapters, exploring the themes of love, chastity, death, fame, time and eternity. The second one, below the windows, depicts the Field of the Cloth of Gold – the pompous summit meeting between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France, held in the area between the communes of Ardres and Guînes back in June 1520. We’re talking 18 days of pure extravagance and grandiose festivities, with both kings showing off their wealth and power for one of them to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor. Henry VIII emerged victorious, while Francis I was left drowning in debt. Listed as a historical monument in 1934, the building served as a bank until the end of 2006 and it’s been a high-end hotel since 2010. And even if you can’t afford a 5-star room and walk around the mansion in a bathrobe and slippers, you can always appreciate its rich history and remarkable architecture!