The very ancient watermill ---- Anecdotes on the building of a self catering holiday cottage hidden in Creuse, France.
by: Tomandjoan
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This is a tale of our mill which has become a holiday home deep in the French countryside. Here we have one of a collection of articles relating the story of and detailing the environment of Le Moulin de Pont de Chez Lord, France 23430.
When the mill was constructed the Limousin part of central France was ruled by British forces. The mill was built in around the year 1273 and the local commander of the garrison lived in a dwelling alongside the bridge over the small river Beraude. Since he was a member of the English aristocracy the locality became recognized as Le Pont de Chez Lord which means literally ---- The Bridge by the House of the Lord.
Le Moulin de Chez Lord (which means The Mill of the House of the Lord) was built close to the house of the English milord. It was required to make the flour to bake bread to feed the soldiery and also to grind the oats for the horses. It is not generally known that the potato was not known in Europe until very roughly 1450. Thus the construction of the mill was very much earlier than the arrival in Europe of the potato and bread was was on every table. The mill had been working for three centuries before the potato first arrived from South America and eventually became a staple part of the European meal. This is why for any semi-permanent garrison it was necessary to have a reliable source of flour.
To get the era when the watermill was first operated into perspective we may point out that it was the thirteenth century, the time of Richard the Lionheart, who became King of England and Aquitaine south of Bordeaux in 1189. So the water mill started life in the era of the crusades and Maid Marion in England. The involvement of King Richard and his involvement locally will be reviewed in another article.
In western Europe it was the age of the start of The Little Ice Age. The river in Londres froze over on some occasions and the Scandinavians retreated from their outposts in Iceland as the polar ice crept south. The sun was less active and the our planet suffered this Little Ice Age that persisted for some 500 years finishing in the mid 1850s. Crops regularly failed during this period ... so much for NOW being a time of unique climatic changes. Throughout Europe the temperature was some 2 degrees lower than the current average so here at the watermill in winter it was worse and no doubt wetter than now makes me feel sorry for our predecessors.
The watermill was still functioning until the 1980s when it prepared animal meal. The mill cottage has now been altered into a holiday cottage in the central part of France known as the Limousin.
Now venturing towards the East there is the Massive Central which is a mountainous area well known for winter sports. If we now look towards the west a short journey takes you to Limoges, celebrated for its porcelain works and going further still the coastal port of La Rochelle the largest fishing center in the Bay of Biscay. This fascinating place has become also a holiday resort and an important center for sea food.
The part called the Limousin is a relatively new one on the tourist scene as it was for many years a typically French holiday area however the secret is now out. It is an area of pine trees, hills and valleys with many picturesque hamlets nestled in the hillsides. The neighborhood contains thousands of streams in the many valleys which results in superb vistas.
Most countryside sports are easily accessible. Especially notable among these are the wonderful bike rides of every rank of exertion thus suiting all capacities and degrees of interest.
The ancient mill is 700 years old, and was constructed to mill wheat flour for English forces who were deployed in the area to look after the English wine interests centered in Bordeaux. The water mill is hidden in a valley and consists of 20 acres of pasture and woods. The watermill is found down a long road which provides privacy.
The river Beraude and the mill stream almost encircle the watermill and just paces from the door is a waterfall which was the overflow for the mill pool. The River Beraude runs through the property and surrounds a delightful island with several pine trees that is wonderful for sitting on those very hot days because there always is a breeze coming off the river. We also regularly have parties and barbecues down there on warm summer afternoons.
The upstairs part of the watermill has now been transformed into two double bedrooms en suite and the workings into a living area with kitchen, lounge etc. There is a shaded patio by a waterfall which is perfect for outside eating or for enjoying a glass of wine during summer evenings.
As we are lucky enough to live in the middle of a very historic region and in the wonderful countryside, we would like in the future to give you reports in which we will continue to look at the area and describe the abundant attractions of the region.
Why not Google Earth us at Le Moulin Chez Lord, 23430 France and zoom on down and see us!
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About the Author
A retired English University Professor now living in France where he is restoring a 700 year old water mill. Visit------- Ancient Water mill Holiday Cottage
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