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Chambord undergoes archaeological diagnosis

Chambord undergoes archaeological diagnosis

Published on 20 December 2012 - Updated 11 January 2013
Cet article date d'il y a plus de 12 ans

Alongside the National Domaine of Chambord’s restoration of its English garden and installation of a biomass heating system, an archaeological diagnosis was carried out by the Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives (INRAP) between 4 and 20 December 2012 on the request of the State (DRAC Centre). Research focused on detection of remains of all kinds and from all eras, and on characterisation of the various phases and periods of occupation of this part of the Domaine.

The aim at Chambord is to detect any remains that might still exist of building work carried out in the château’s immediate surroundings between the 16^th and 19^th centuries and to search for any signs of earlier occupation, dating back to the medieval era in particular. Discoveries so far include remains of stonework apparently dating from the 12^th-13^th centuries, which were unearthed during excavation of the inner courtyard in 2007.

The operation underway has uncovered traces of human occupation centred around the church, in the form of the remains of light structures which are yet to be accurately dated.

Other remains dating back to the 17^th century have also been brought to light, including postholes, floor levels and wall foundations that seem to correspond to the first temporary stables built for Louis XIV to the west of the château.