The existence of a dungeon in Poilvache is only known until now thanks to utext. The latter dates from 1430 but there is no doubt that the building was built from the beginning of the occupation of the fortress, at the beginning of the 13th century. Its location remains hypothetical for the moment and is based on archaeological data, compared with information provided by other sites. The location retained until now could be called into question by further excavations.
The building currently considered as a keep stood in the south-east corner of the « castle » part of the site and was supported by the curtain walls. All that remains is the basement, originally composed of a large room divided into two spaces by two arcades on pillars. The ground floor and the 1st floor undoubtedly consisted of large rooms almost 20 m long. They were certainly used in the official framework of the public activities of the provost and 1 or the castellan.
After 1238 according to the historical context, the arcades were condemned and the eastern part of the basement was backfilled. On the new level thus obtained, a chimney is built (see photo) next to which two doors will be pierced through the curtain walls. These openings give access on the one hand to the Luxembourg Tower and on the other hand to the northern entrance massif.
Archaeological excavations have shown that at least part of the supposed keep was burned down. It is likely that this damage is linked to the final attack of 1430 which led to the ruin of Poilvache.
Poilvache 