The Cathar Martyrs
Chateau Termes
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Chateau Termes
Another
fine castle in Aude and again a 'Son of Carcassonne'
During
the Crusade it was first held by Raymond de Termes, perhaps
himself a Cathar, his brother was certainly a Cathar Bishop of Razes,
elected in 1226. After a protracted siege of several months it
fell to de Montfort in 1210 after the water supply became
exhausted. As with Montsegur a turning point in the siege was when
a forward defence was captured. Some members of the garrison
managed to escape.
Raymond
died after three years in a dungeon in Carcassonne.
The first castle on the site probably dated from
around 1110. As with many other such fortresses it was rebuilt and
reinforced by the French to defend the frontier with
France.
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