History Review - Autumn 2007

First stop was St Thelo to see a museum dedicated to the growing, preparing, spinning, making and marketing of flax (once an important occupation in Jersey). The fine house accommodating the museum was formerly the property of an important flax merchant, who is believed to have sought refuge in Jersey at the time of the French Revolution. It may be interesting for historians to note that Jersey and Brittany had common international practices, linked to different products. Jersey obtained wheat grain from the Baltic, converted it to flour and sold it to the British Colonies in America. Brittany obtained flax seed from the Baltic, grew the crop and converted it into flax, before selling it to Spain, who exported it to their American colonists!

Next was a visit to Pont-Aven, literally meaning in Celtic, the bridge over teh river and shares the same derivation as the Avon which flows by Stratford-on-Avon (Stratford-by the-River). Pont-Aven is important for two reasons; its fast flowing river drove 14 under-shoot mills and it is claimed that the local miller once claimed he had 14 mills but only 15 houses! Secondly, it was famed as a resort of painters; the Pont-Aven School headed by Gauguin, was formed about 1888. We visited the Paul Gauguin Society Museum. The village itself is picturesque and has many old buildings of local character.

Concarneau has, for centuries, been an important seaport. The port is dominated and protected by the remarkable 'ville close' or fortified town, situated on an island straddling the mouth of the River Moros. Massive ramparts, along which we walked, date back to the 14th century and were still being developed three centuries later. The two small bridges, linking the walled town to land, is very heavily fortified. This impressive section of defence also has a unique feature, a great round tower, which at its core has an earlier round tower, and that tower also encases an earlier tower structure. Perhaps the Russians copied the idea of producing graduated dolls, one inside the other, from French fortress builders!

The next find was a gem, the Church of Saint Tudy at Loctudy, the best preserved Romanesque building in Brittany dating back to the early 12th Century. This was the second church, the first having been destroyed by Vikings circa 915 AD. The Church of Saint Tudy's had an exceedingly high roof, classical layout, clean graceful lines, semi-circular arches, solid form and unusual plan for the area which placed it in a unique category. It was also out good fortune to have the church's history explained by a dedicated local who apologised for his limited knowledge. In fact his knowledge was encyclopaedic. Both the church and its remarkable curator will linger in the memories of our members.

Lanriek - Près Concarneau

Locronan, our next important venus, is a picturesque town which once prospered exceedingly from the manufacture of linen for sailcloth. Traces of a golden age were to be found in its fine square surrounded by granite houses, built by wealthy merchants in the Renaissance style. The square also boasted an old well and a large and elaborate church with a pretty chapel attached; all signs of a thriving and opulent community that once existed. We heard that the ships with which Sir Francis Drake attacked the Armada were equipped with sails from this region! The picture of the girl spinning flax on a distaff into thread must once have been a common sight in Locronan.

Our visit ended with an evening river cruise up the River Odet, during which we entertained our exceptional guides, the two professors and Madame Laurent, to dinner and presented them with well deserved gifts. The final day was the journey back to Saint Malo, taking a break at Josselin to see the castle and have lunch.

Appreciation and thanks, as a group, must go to Mary Billot, our gallant Honorary Secretary, for arranging such an exceptional trip. She has strived and preserved to ensure everyone's expectations were satisfied.

A 'Vraicing' Walk

Nick Jouault is to guide a walk, along St Ouen's beach, with a focus on Vraicing. Nick has studied the history of this subject and has discovered some interesting aspects and customs from the past. Join him on this stroll starting at Kempt Tower at 2pm on Saturday, the 13th October 2007. Stout shoes and walking attire are recommended.

Dinner is Served!

A sparkling display of silverware is to be on display and discussed by our expers, Peter LE Rossignol and Senator Freddie Cohen. A 'Must Go' evening, which will take place in the Members' Room on the 15th February 2008 from 8pm to 10.30pm. A special buffet will be served. Attendance will be by invitation and there will be an admission fee.

Frank Falle - Chairman