Porte Baudry

Journey back to 1015. Imagine the Porte Baudry rising from the earth, a sturdy sentinel against the backdrop of a fledgling Montlhéry. Porte Baudry wasn’t just a gate. It was the pulse of the town, the sole passage through its protective walls. This vital role cemented its place in Montlhéry’s heart, a symbol of security and prosperity. The Porte Baudry bore witness to centuries of comings and goings, from merchants hawking their wares to armies marching to war. In 1587, King Henri III, recognizing its strategic importance, ordered its reconstruction. The stones themselves whisper of this royal decree, echoing the ambitions of a king and the resilience of a town. Years later, under Bonaparte’s Consulship, the Porte Baudry received another facelift. It stands today as a testament to its enduring strength. Look closely at the gate. You can still see the grooves where the two portcullises once slid, a stark reminder of its defensive past. Imagine the townsfolk scurrying through this passage, seeking refuge within the city walls. Notice the small openings above. These were not mere architectural flourishes. They were vital for the town’s guards. From here, they could keep watch, grant passage, and, importantly, collect the tolls. Just to the right of the gate, picture the guards’ station. Underneath the present-day town hall, vast cellars once stored the goods levied as tolls. These goods, a silent testament to the gate’s economic significance, fueled the town’s growth. Porte Baudry continued its role as a tollgate until the French Revolution swept across the nation, abolishing these feudal practices. The gate, once a symbol of royal authority, now stood as a symbol of a new era. In 1926, its enduring historical significance was recognized. The Porte Baudry was inscribed on the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments. As you stand before Porte Baudry, you are not just looking at stones and mortar. You are looking at a living testament to Montlhéry’s rich history.