Château de la Paluelle
The Château de la Paluelle is a large estate manor located in the town of Saint-James, Normandy. Built as early as the 11th century during the reign of William the Conqueror, the chateau is a listed historical monument of the French Republic. The Château de la Paluelle is privately owned and closed to the public. Its grounds are the site of the annual competitive-level horse jumping competition. History While the date of the construction of the chateau has not been authenticated, it was in existence by 1389 and known as Le Manoir de Granges. Around 1530, it came into the possession of the La Paluelle family through a dowry, and the chateau has carried the family's moniker ever since. During the latter half of the Hundred Years' War the immediate area saw heavy military activity between the opposing English and French forces. The siege of Saint-James took place between February 27 and March 6, 1426, resulting in English victory and during the chaotic retreat, hundreds of French soldiers drowned trying to cross the flooded Bouvron river valley below the chateau. In 1638, the Chateau de la Paluelle was elevated to barony through the royal letters patent to Jean de La