May I relate the tale of an ancient Water Mill which has become a holiday home hidden in the French countryside. Here we have one of a series of items telling the story of the mill and detailing the surroundings of Le Moulin de Pont de Chez Lord, France 23430. When the water mill was constructed the Limousin part of central France was ruled by English forces. The mill was constructed in around the year 1279 and the regional commander of the garrison lived in a dwelling alongside the bridge over the small river Beraude. As he was a member of the British gentry the area became recognized as Le Pont de Chez Lord meaning literally ---- The Bridge of the House of the Lord. Le Moulin de Chez Lord (which means The Mill of the House of the Lord) was constructed close to the residence of the English milord. It was required to mill the flour to prepare bread to feed the soldiery and also to prepare the oats for the horses. It is easy to forget that the potato did not arrive in France until very roughly 1450. Thus the construction of the water mill was long before the introduction into in Europe of the potato and bread was an integral part of every meal. The mill had been in use 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 even a small semi-permanent occupying force it was obligatory to have a trustworthy supply of flour. To get the time when the mill was built into perspective we can point out that it was the 13th century, the time of Richard the Lionheart, who became King of England and Aquitaine south of Bordeaux in 1189. So the water mill was built in the period of the crusades and Maid Marion in England. The story of King Richard and his connection to the area will be reviewed at another time. In western Europe this was the age of the beginnings of The Little Ice Age. The river in London froze over on some occasions and the Scandinavians retreated from their outposts in Iceland as the polar ice came south. The sun was less active and the Earth suffered this Little Ice Age which persisted for about five centuries finishing in the middle of the nineteenth century. Crops failed regularly throughout this period ... so much for NOW being a period of unique weather change. Here in France the temperature was some 2 degrees lower than the current average so here at the mill in winter it was colder and no doubt damper than now makes me feel sorry for former owners. The water mill was still functioning until the 1980s when it prepared cattle feed. The mill house has now been changed into a holiday cottage in this central part of France called the Limousin. Now venturing eastwards you come to the Massive Central which is a mountainous area now famous for winter sports. If we now look towards the west a short journey takes you to Limoges, celebrated for its porcelain manufacture and traveling further the coastal port of La Rochelle the largest fishing center in the Bay of Biscay. This very interesting place is now also a holiday resort and an important center for sea food. This part called the Limousin is a new one on the tourist map as it was until recently a mainly French holiday area however it is becoming well known. It is a region of pasture, hills and valleys with many beautiful hamlets resting in the valleys. The area contains countless numbers of streams in the many valleys which makes for exceptional scenery. Most outside activities are readily accessible. Particularly important amongst these are the wonderful walks of every degree of difficulty so appealing to levels of skill and levels of eagerness. The historic mill is 700 years old, and was constructed to grind flour for English military who were stationed in this part of France to maintain the English wine interests centered in Bordeaux. The mill is hidden in a valley and consists of 10 hectares of pasture and woods. The water mill is found down a long driveway which gives for more privacy. The river Beraude and the mill race almost surround the mill and only steps from the cottage is a waterfall which was the overspill for the mill pool. The River Beraude runs through the property and forms a delightful island with several large trees that is perfect for sitting on those very hot days because there always is a wind coming off the river. We also frequently have picnics and barbecues there on warm summer afternoons. The granary 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 area by the waterfall which is perfect for outside eating or for enjoying a glass of wine on hot afternoons. Because my wife and I are lucky enough to live in the middle of this very historic area and in the wonderful countryside, we would like in the future to give you reports in which we will further look at the region and portray the abundant features of the area. Why not Google Earth us at Le Moulin Chez Lord, 23430 France and zoom on down and see us!
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This is our chronicle of our watermill known as Pont Chez Lord in central France. The medieval watermill now is a self catering holiday cottage nestled in countryside. Now number one of a collection of stories about the history of the mill and detailing the environment of St Pierre Cherignat the little commune in which the watermill sits.
I am a retired English University Professor now living in France where I am restoring a 700 year old water mill. Visit------- Ancient Water mill Holiday Cottage The wonderful old mill is let during the summer to people who want a nice relaxing holiday. For more information visit http://www.moulinchezlord.com or telephone 0033555643029 or email tomandjoan@wanadoo.fr
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