When the watermill was constructed the Limousin part of central France was ruled by English forces. The mill was built in around the year 1271 and the regional commander of the garrison lived in a house alongside a bridge over the river Beraude. Since he was a member of the English aristocracy the area became known 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 constructed close by the house of the English milord. It was required to prepare the flour to make bread to feed the military and also to mill the oats for the horses. It is not generally known that the potato did not exist in France until very roughly 1450. Thus the construction of the mill was long before the arrival in Europe of the potato and bread was a very substantial part of the diet. The mill had been in use for 300 years before the potato first arrived from South America and eventually became a part of the European meal. This is why for any semi-permanent garrison it was obligatory to have a trustworthy source of flour.
To get the era when the water mill was constructed into some time scale, we should point out that it was the thirteenth century, the time of Richard the Lionheart, who became King of England and Aquitaine the other side of Bordeaux in 1189. So the water mill was constructed in the era of the crusades and Robin Hood in England. The story of King Richard and his involvement locally will be looked at at another time.
In Europe this was the epoch of the start of The Little Ice Age. The Thames in Londres froze over on some occasions and the Scandinavians withdraw 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 about five centuries finishing in the middle of the nineteenth century. Crops failed regularly throughout this era ... so much for NOW being a time of specific climatic changes. Here in France the temperature was some 2 degrees below the current average so here at the watermill in winter it was colder and no doubt wetter than now makes me feel sorry for former owners.
The water mill was in use until the 1980s when it milled animal meal. It has now been converted into a holiday cottage in this region of France known as the Limousin.
Now going towards the East there is the Massive Central which is a mountainous sector now famous for winter sports. Turning now towards the west a short journey brings one to Limoges, renowned for its porcelain works and going further still the beautiful town of La Rochelle the largest coastal resort in the Bay of Biscay. This very interesting resort is now also a holiday resort and an important center for yachting.
This part known as the Limousin is a relatively new one on the tourist itinerary as it was for many years a mainly French holiday region however it is becoming well known. It is a locale of grasslands, hills and valleys with many beautiful small villages nestled in the hillsides. The neighborhood contains dozens of lakes in the many valleys which makes for exceptional scenery.
Most rural sports are easily accessible. Particularly important amongst these are the stimulating walks of every rank of exertion thus suiting all abilities and levels of interest.
The historic mill is 700 years of age, and was constructed to grind wheat flour for English military who were garrisoned here to maintain the English commercial interests based in Bordeaux. The watermill is sitting in a valley and includes 10 hectares of meadows and woodland. The water mill lies at the end of a long drive which provides tranquility.
The river Beraude and the mill race almost encircle the water mill and only a few yards from the house is a waterfall which was the runoff for the mill pool. The river flows through the property and forms a delightful island with several trees that is wonderful for relaxing on those very hot days because there always is a wind from the river. We also often have parties and barbecues there on warm summer evenings.
The upstairs of the mill has now been converted into two double bedrooms en suite and the on the ground floor into a living area with kitchen, lounge etc. There is a shaded patio by the waterfall which is ideal for al fresco dining or for enjoying a bottle during summer afternoons.
Since we are lucky enough to live in the center of a most interesting region and in the wonderful countryside, we would like in the future to give you reports in which we will continue to explore the region 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!
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 For more information and lots of pictures. 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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