Lectoure

Lectoure stands on a height in Gascony. In the mid-fourteenth century it came under the counts of Armagnac, who made a castle at the western end of the ridge their residence. The town became closely associated with the county and its rulers.

In 1472–1473 the forces of Louis XI besieged Lectoure. The town capitulated in 1473, Count John V of Armagnac died, and the castle was damaged. Lectoure subsequently became the seat of the royal sénéchaussée of Armagnac. The royal government maintained the castle until 1758, when it was given to the bishop for the construction of a hospital.