Fresnay-le-Vicomte
| Fresnay-sur-Sarthe | ||
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| Commune | ||
The Avenue Charles de Gaulle, in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
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 Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
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Location within Pays de la Loire region
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
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| Coordinates: 48°16′57″N 0°01′19″E / 48.2825°N 0.0219°ECoordinates: 48°16′57″N 0°01′19″E / 48.2825°N 0.0219°E | ||
| Country | France | |
| Region | Pays de la Loire | |
| Department | Sarthe | |
| Arrondissement | Mamers | |
| Canton | Sillé-le-Guillaume | |
| Intercommunality | Communauté de communes des Alpes Mancelles | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor (2008–2014) | Dominique Émery | |
| Area1 | 2.10 km2 (0.81 sq mi) | |
| Population (2006)2 | 2,241 | |
| • Density | 1,100/km2 (2,800/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
| INSEE/Postal code | 72138 /72130 | |
| Elevation | 67–117 m (220–384 ft) | |
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1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. 2Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once. |
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1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe is a commune in the Sarthe department in the region of Pays-de-la-Loire in north-western France.
Fresnay Sur Sarthe is a delightful and beautiful medieval city in Sarthe. The river flows below the castle up on the hill creating a wonderful vista
Even if it hasn't yet been proven, it is likely that a few people were already installed on the rock overhanging the River Sarthe during the Roman occupation. In the 7th century, around ten families were registered on the site called Faxinidum.
The city history really begins with the erection of the castle, which was initiated approximately in the 10th century (perhaps in the 9th century), under the reign of Charles the Bald. Express mention can be found on an official document dated October 12, 997, first year of the reign of Robert the Pious. The purpose of the castle was mostly to ensure protection of the river crossing.
William the Conqueror captured the castle twice; first in 1063, then again in 1073. Young Robert of Bellême, who particularly distinguished himself during the siege, was proclaimed as a knight from William's hand.
In 1100, Henry I decided to join the Maine to the Anjou. The castle then became part of a series of several, destinated to protect the Maine against "North Mans" (Vikings)'s attacks, and the city was placed under the protection of the Vicomte de Beaumont. At that time, the city was then called Fresnay-le-Vicomte. A few more attacks were conducted against Fresnay, and the city finally found peace only at the beginning of the 14th century. That period permitted the development of farming.
Strategic importance of the Castle of Fresnay was particularly highlighted during the Hundred Years' War. Successively occupied by the adventurers of Philippe de la Chèze, in 1356, then captured by the English troops of King Henry V, in 1417, it came back to the French, thanks to Ambroise de Loré, future companion of Joan of Arc; Captain of the Castle in 1418, he later became "Prévôt" de Paris.
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Wikipedia