The Château de Coudray-Salbart is a ruined 13th-century castle in the commune of Échiré. Its architecture is remarkable, having never been altered. Notably, the castle supports spurs of almond wood.
The lords of Parthenay-Larchevêque gained control of the Coudray-Salbart site in the 12th century. In 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, who became the King of England in 1154, leading to the Poitou region falling under English rule. The fortress of Coudray-Salbart, built in the early 13th century, became a focal point in the conflicts between the French Capetians and the English Plantagenets.
The castle was however lost its purpose already in the 15th century and was ruined. Today beautiful ruins exist.
Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.