Gollard Tower

Gollard Tower, also known locally as Tour de Gollard or Tour Sarrasine, is a medieval tower ruin situated in a field between the villages of Noduwez and Marilles, in the province of Flemish Brabant within the Flemish region of Belgium. This tower is a rare surviving example of a High Medieval fortified structure that once formed part of a small seigniory on the border of the Duchy of Brabant and the Principality of Liège.

Historical background and ownership

The construction of Gollard Tower is dated to the 13th century, a period marked by feudal conflicts and territorial defense. The tower was originally associated with the Gollard family, who were the lords of the seigniory and vassals to the Duke of Brabant. Positioned strategically near the boundary with the Principality of Liège, the tower's location was significant for controlling and defending this frontier area.

Throughout the 14th century, the seigniory changed hands and came under the ownership of the Herbais family. Over subsequent centuries, several other families held the property, reflecting the typical feudal pattern of inheritance and sale.

Architectural features and layout

Historical records from the 15th century indicate that the castle complex included a keep, a residential house, farm buildings, a water mill, and a chapel. Today, only the remains of the keep survive, standing as a solitary ruin amidst the rural landscape.

The keep itself was a fortified tower designed for defense and residence. Its robust stone construction and elevated position would have provided a vantage point over the surrounding territory, essential for monitoring movement along the border and protecting the seigniory.

Defensive purpose and strategic importance

Located between the fortified manors of Jauche and Linsmeau, the tower likely played a role in a network of defenses guarding the Duchy of Brabant's frontier. Its position on the border with the Principality of Liège made it a critical point for surveillance and military readiness during the turbulent High Medieval period.

Later history and decline

In 1678, the property was acquired by the Drouhot family. By this time, the castle had already fallen into disuse and was reportedly in ruins by the 18th century. The decline of the castle reflects broader changes in military technology and political stability that made such small fortified keeps obsolete.

Despite its ruinous state, the site remains accessible and offers a glimpse into medieval feudal architecture and territorial defense strategies. Its small scale and relative obscurity make it a unique and quiet historical site.

Visiting Gollard Tower today

The ruins of Gollard Tower are freely accessible to the public. Visitors can explore the remains of the keep and appreciate the rural setting that once formed a strategic border zone. The tower's modest size and secluded location provide an intimate experience of medieval history away from more crowded tourist sites.