Pomayrols
Encyclopedia
Pomayrols is a commune
in the Aveyron
department in southern France
.
, on the southern slope of the high valley of the Lot river, between the cities of Saint-Laurent d'Olt and Saint-Geniez-d'Olt
.
Its land area is 2,340 hectares (in the shape of triangle); its altitude varies from 433 meters in La Tourre with 1,180 meters at the "Puech of the Blackbird".
Its northeastern limit touches the department of Lozère
with the commune of Trélans, it follows the old track "drailhe" used formerly by the pilgrims of the Way of St. James
, now GR footpath
n° 6 which connected Le Puy-en-Velay
to Conques
.
In southeast, from the ravine of the Drop to Puech Grond is used as limit with the commune of Saint Laurent d'Olt.
In the south, runs the Lot river which goes down from Saint Laurent d'Olt, it separates the commune with that from La Capelle Bonance.
The river is used as border between two extremely different natural areas: mounts of Aubrac in north, large plateaus in the south.
In southwest, the road on right bank of the brook of Bonance (known as "Canto Serp") borders the commune of Saint Geniez d' Olt.
In the northwest the commune is separated from that of Aurelle-Verlac by a line which passes under Ginestes, Molière and Fraïssinède.
Pomayrols, (Pomairòls): place with the many apple trees, comes from Latin poma, pomum: apple.
Chipole, (Gipola), "at Gipou" place which belongs to Joseph (Latin origin);
La Tourre, Torre: the tower, in Latin turris: the tower.
Vialaneuve , (the viala nova): the new way or new villa, from Latin via: the way.
La Bessière, ( becièra ): planted place of birches, from Latin betullus: birch.
Le Monna
Les Gandalgues
La Fage, ( the Fagia, in the past, the Clara Fagia): clearing of beeches, in Latin fagus/fagea: beech.
Bonance
Rouveret, (Roveret): plantation of oaks; place planted of reopen (oaks): from Latin robur: reopen.
Les Vergounhoux, (los Vergonhôs): the vergogneux ones (humble and modest shy persons) in Latin vergonha: timidity.
Lespinasse (the espinassa): where there are thorn-bushes, in Latin spina: spine.
Le Flourigués (florigués): flowered place, in Latin flor: flower.
La Boulesq, (the bolesc): place or house belonging to "Ball" (Latin origin).
Falguières, (will falguièras): ferns, in Latin filicaria: fern.
Les Crouzets, (los crosets): the small hollows, come from Celtic the kris, then in popular Latin crosus: hollow.
Le Martinesq (lo Martinesc): place or house which belongs to Martin (Latin origin).
La Plagne, (the planha): flat place, in Latin planea: plain.
Les Pougettes
La Bourgade, (the borgada): the village, comes from Germanic, burg: city.
Les Gandalgues
The farms and hamlets located on left bank of the Lot river forming are added part of the parish of Pomayrols:
In the commune of Capelle-Bonance:
La Prade
Pomiès
Navechs
Le Gibertès
Le Laus
In the commune of Saint-Geniez-in Olt:
Cayzac (Caïsac): place pertaining to "Caïus" (Latin origin).
(Sources: Al Canton of Feels-Ginièis, departmental mission of the culture, ISBN 2-907279-07-6)
On the heights, the moors of heathers were gradually replaced by vast meadows and fields of cereals.
On the commune, since the 1970s, the farmers forsook little by little the slopes with the profit heights easier to exploit.
If this change is not without incidences on the quality of surrounding spring waters, at the bottom of the valley on the other hand, this evolution allowed to see developing vast areas with the passing of years where nature took again its rights for the greatest benefit of the flora and fauna.
On along the river, this new situation does not make forget the maintenance of the banks in order to reduce the devastators effects of the risings.
, the high valley of the Lot between Espalion and the Saint Laurent d'Olt were integrated into the Natura 2000
network.
In Pomayrols, on right bank of the river, the grounds located under the road n° 509 starting from the place known as:"Le Gravas" to the limit of Saint Laurent are indexed by the Général council of Aveyron as a sensitive natural area .
This part of the valley which extends on 8 km (5 mi) from banks makes from now on the object of specific contracts and procedures as regards agriculture in order to guarantee the protection of these mediums and to take care of the quietude of the animal species present.
, the castle and its land had successively belonged to several families of former Nobility
.
Rights and duties of the lord of the manor of Pomayrols:
The Lord of the Manor
had on his field (Manorialism
) the duty to ensure peace and safety for the people.
In order to maintain the peace, he had the legal authority, the right to make "the high, middle and low justice".
To show this capacity, he was allowed to draw up one or several Gibbet
. (In french this right was called: right of fork).
In Pomayrols, the gibbet was located at the cross of the stake (formerly a much attended crossing point).
To ensure the safety of the goods and the people, he had to maintain men trained with the use of the weapons.
These expenses were financed by the perception of taxes and various royalties such as (Censive, Champart, Lods_&_sales and commun run of peace).
Because of the scarcity of currency, these taxes were paid either in food products or in day's works ( Corvée).
These local taxes resulting from Feudalism
would be applied until August 4, 1789.
Cayrodes 1261–1408
In 1261, the seigniory belonged to the family of Cayrodes, Pons de Cayrodes (Étienne de Cayrodes'son) was the first of this line.
(the pact of marriage of Guillemette the Pons de Cayrodes' sister going back to 1261 is the oldest document which mentions the existence of the castle of Pomayrols.)
In 1360, by the Treaty of Brétigny
, a great part of the South-west of France including Rouergue
was annexed to Guyenne
which was already an English possession since 1259.
Pomayrols from now on was located at the border with close Gévaudan
remained with the crown of France. The Black Prince
troops set up a regular monitoring of this new border.
Between 1361 and 1369, an English garrison occupied the châtellenie of La Roque Valzergues close to Saint Saturnin de Lenne.
(Witness of this disturbed time, the rock of the English, " Lo ròc dels Anglés" in occitan language
.
This large rock drawn up on the Southern slope of the small valley of the Cazette holds its name for the time when these soldiers who moved in hostile environment, used it as place of sheltered and made safe bivouac).
In 1408, Hugues de Cayrodes tested the field in favour of the marquis de Laromiguière a close relation of his family.
Laromiguiere 1408–1452
In 1425, always during the Hundred Years' War
, at the beginning of the reign of the king Charles VII of France
, Loîse (Louise) of Laromiguière married Aymeric de Montamail which taken the name and armorial bearings of Laromiguière.
In 1452, Gabrielle their daughter, married Bérard Murat de Lestang which engaged for him and its, to keep the armorial bearings of Laromiguière.
Murat de Lestang 1452–1687
Among the lords of Rouergue, the family Murat de Lestang was during the 15th and 16th century, one of most powerful of the county.
The Pomayrols line:
Gabrielle de Laromiguière: heiress of Pomayrols, Cambon, La roque Sainte Marguerite, and Bozouls in Rouergue as well as Montamat close to Raulhac in Auvergne.
Bérard Murat de Lestang: Rider and chamberlain of the king Louis XI of France
.
He was named by the king with the command of the military forterress of Usson in Auvergne.
Gabrielle and Bérard (Bernard) had three children, Antoine, Pierre and Gabriel.
Gabriel Murat de Lestang: Knight Hospitaller of saint John of Jerusalem, that the History indicates under the name of Commander of Pomayrols.
He illustrated itself, with his friends in arms by its bravery at the time of the defense of the fortress of Rhodes besieged by Suleiman the Magnificent
in 1522, under the reign of Francis I of France
. Of return in France it managed the commandery of Saint Jean
of Toulouse.
Antoine Murat de Lestang: Rider of the king Charles VIII of France
. Married in 1504, with Marquise, the daughter of Guillaume, Baron
of Estaing
, without children, he bequeathed Pomayrols to Pierre his brother.
Pierre Murat de Lestang: Married during the alive one of Antoine with Marie , heiress of the castle of Labastide - Teulat, they bequeathed Pomayrols to François their son.
François Murat de Lestang: Married on 1541, with Anne, the daughter of Antoine, Lord of Valzergues and Naussac,
they bequeathed Pomayrols to Antoine their son.
It was at that time, on February 15, 1568, during the French Wars of Religion
, under the reign of the king Charles IX of France
, that the castle and the church of the village were plundered and ransacked.
Huguenot
revolts , come from Millau
, sowed terror through Rouergue.
They were caught of it more particularly to the members clergy and with the goods of the catholic Church. Learning that in the castle of Pomayrols, had been stored harvests but especially of the pieces of furniture and the objects of great values of the churches of Saint-Geniez, they went there to take it by storm, in spite of the walls, the attackers in excess did not have any difficulties of taking the " local Fort Knox".
The castle was plundered and set fire to. The six priests who had the guard of the parochial goods were carried out by the sword.
In same time, learning that moniales were with the monastery of Fage, the plunderers went up there at once.
Alerted this threat, the moniales fled towards Saint-Geniez by the valley, they were refugièrent in the hermitage of Saint-Pierre (near to the current vault of the boxwood).
They will remain there until May 17, 1586, this day there, Saint Geniez d' Olt was again attacked by the troops of the Protestant Reformation
, the churches were plundered and set fire to, the hermitage of Saint Pierre located near to the borough undergoes the same fate, unhappy young women whom the History will retain under the name of Ladies of Pomayrols, all were massacred.
Antoine Murat de Lestang 2nd of the name: Married on June 18, 1581, Jeanne, the only daughter of Antoine de Bérail the Lord of Paulhac, Caylus, Belpech and other places. Antoine dies "of violent death" on September 26, 1613. (He will be the last Lord to have resided permanently at the castle). He bequeathed Pomayrols to Claude his son.
Claude Murat de Lestang: Gentleman with the room of the king Louis XIII of France
. It married on November 14, 1615, Gabrielle, the daughter of Jean, Sénéchal and Governor of Toulouse, Lord of Valette and other places. They gave birth to three children: Jean, Marie and François. They Bequeathed Pomayrols to Jean.
Jean Murat de Lestang: Married on March 20, 1664, Anne-Marthe, the daughter of Louis, Lord of Brunet, Vicomte of Ambialet, Panat and other places. They had three children: François, Anne and Marie. They bequeathed Pomayrols to François their elder son.
François Murat de Lestang: Without children, it bequeathed Pomayrols to Anne her sister.
On October 5, 1687, Anne Murat de Lestang married Jean Baptist Deroux de la Loubière, thus was completed the line of Murat de Lestang with Pomayrols.
Deroux de la Loubiere 1687 - 1754
In 1754, Jean Baptist DeRoux (2nd of the name) tested the field of Pomayrols in favour of his nephew Jean Baptist Dupont de Ligonnes
Dupont of Ligonnes 1754 - 1789
After the year 1800, Charles Gabriel Dupont de Ligonnès, his son, sold the castle (which for lack of maintenance was in state of advanced decay) to Mr. Aymar de Jabrun.
Sources: The gold Book of Pomayrols, Maury printer S.A, 4E quarter 1982.
History of Rouergue, Editions Privat 1987, ISBN 2-7089-1689-0
Source: www.pomayrols.com.
Since the 14th century, the bishops of Rodez are held to make at least once during their mandate, the round of inspection of each parish.
About 1515, the parish of Pomayrols (which included La Boulesq and Falguières) counted 1200 inhabitants including 400 in the borough.
During the 18th century, under the reign of the king Louis XV of France
, the result of the inspections of 1746 and 1771 teach us that the population which lived in Pomayrols turned around a thousand of inhabitants (900 in 1746, 1090 in 1771, including 341 in the borough).
Demography during 19th and 20th centuries:
In 1874 the commune counted 1107 inhabitants. 479 on the parish of Pomayrols, 378 around Boulesq and Falguières, 250 around Fage.
From the 16th until at the end of the 19th century, the population of the valley thus remained relatively stable.
Marriage certificates on the commune and parish of Pomayrols to the 19th century.
According to the data base of the F.N.A.A
Since the end of the 19th century, the migrations (towards Paris or others towns and South America too) noted on the whole of Massif central area did not save the commune.
In 1914, it counted only 600 inhabitants. Between 1914 and 1918, the First World War left 61 victims among the men in age to found a family, accentuating the depopulation.
Nowadays, the commune is characterized by the doubling of its population in estival period.
According to I.N.S.E.E statistics, in 1999, the commune counted 142 dwelling houses which were distributed between:
57 main homes, 7 vacant dwellings and 78 second homes (majority belonging to families having origins on the commune).
The building existed from the very start of the 11th century.
In 1050, under the reign of Henry I of France
, Hugues de Calmont, bequeathed it to the abbey of Conques which will manage it during more than three centuries. The village was used as stage for the pélerins of the Way of St. James
, which went from Puy in Velay to Conques.
On February 28, 1390, the abbey of Conques yields the administration of the church and its Priory
to the diocese of Rodez.
In 1452, Bérard Murat de Lestang, undertook its rebuilding.
(the side chapel of the rosary where it puts back beside Gabrielle his wife is the only part of the church who remains us of this time).
Partly burned in 1568 during the wars of religion, the church was raised returned peace. Three centuries later, between 1840 and 1900, the church was gradually restored: the vault in 1840, interior parts in 1852, the bell-tower in 1855.
It is a very beautiful cross cut out of limestone where figure in low relief Peter the apostle and on which one you can read the following inscription: " FEV Marie Veisset de Bonance founder of this cross. A lord' s Prayer and a Maria ave. Requiescant in pace. Amen." Pierre Flovrou that it did it the year 1740.
Opposite the current cross, there was a small vault also dedicated to Saint Peter who had been built in 1544 per Pierre Murat de Lestang.
It was built in 1788 by the Marie and Christine Massabuau. In ruin one century afterwards, it was raised in 1880 by the inhabitants of the village (owners of the building) In 1988, at the time of its bicentenary, it was restored on the initiative of the Parisians friendly society.
In 1082, it was given by Pons of Etienne (bishop of Rodez between 1079 and 1095) to the abbey Saint Victor of Marseilles .
In 1144, the pope Lucius II confirmed this donation.
About 1550, the two daughters of Pierre Murat de Lestang lord of Pomayrols founded a monastery there. In 1568, during the wars of religion, the buildings were partly destroyed.
In 1700 the church was set up in parish. The priests resident will follow one another it to the 20th century (1931).
During the 19th century, work of restoration was undertaken by the fabric committee and the parishioners to preserve the building of the bad weather.
In 1879, a part of the church was repaired as well as the presbytery.
In 1892, the rough-casting of the walls.
The side Romance vault constitutes the only vestiges which remain us of preceding building.
It was built since 1890 by the inhabitants of the village.
Previously, at the place of the current presbytery, there was a small vault also dedicated to Saint Roch who went back to 1777.
This vault was set up in parish on April 26, 1787 by the bishop of Rodez of the time: Jerome-Marie Champion of Cicé.
It carries the date of 1856 and the inscriptions: E J.B., the initials of Enfru Jean Baptist, who was a stonemason.
Its existence is attested since 1261 in the marriage certificate of Guillemette the Pons de Cayrodes' sister.
The current castle, at least what us remains about it, was completed in 1446.
It results from rehandlings and enlargings carried out on the castle of origin.
In this end of the Middle Ages, the memory of made plunderings a few decades before by the The Great Company was always present in the spirits and justified this construction for the protection of the goods and the people.
Here is an old description:
This building forms a quadrilateral oblong and flanked on the southernmost frontage of two grosses 28 metres (91.9 ft) towers (not included crenels).
They have with their external base, ten nine meters of circumference. In the towers are "apartments": four in the East and six in the West.
The thickness of the walls is 1 meter. The frontage of the South east bored of 15 windows. The walls as well as the towers are crenelated.
Ditches made the turn of the castle. In front of the gate are the superimposed stables whose Western frontage has five arcades with semicircular arch and loopholes, resting on large cylindrical columns half.
The castle is built out of schist drowned in the mortar watered with the large sand of Lot river.
This mortar is very hard, because it is easier to cross than to tear off the stone.
The corners of the doors and the windows are in likings variegated, taken with the careers of Capelle Bonance.
In 1329, to facilitate transport of it, the lord of Pomayrols had made build a bridge upon the Lot river which was carried by a rising in 1705.
The building of 1446 will preserve its aspect of origin until 1568. After the passage of Huguenots, the ransacked parts all were not rebuilt.
Murat de Lestang which had functions at the court of Versailles will not remain any more with the castle.
It is a building without maintenance, delivered to the bad weather and the plunderers which is bought during the French revolution by Mr. Aymar de Jabrun.
During the 19th century, Aymar de Jabrun sells the masonry to Mr. Xavier Fournier (craftsman on wood) who will rebuild the parts in ruin.
In the Southern building, it will arrange there workshops at the ground floor and apartments in the stages.
In 1905 it sells with the commune the part located at the East and the contiguous tower. It will arrange there a public school at the ground floor, the residences of the teachers to the 1er stages. In the tower: the town hall.
In 1986, this part was entirely renovated and reconverted in rooms of reception and residences of hiring. A part of angle shelters a museum where a remarkable collection of agricultural tools of formerly is exposed.
Today, in spite of the scars of the History and the successive rehandlings, the whole with always good pace, although not yet protected with the title from the historic buildings the castle with its two high towers remains a witness always upright of the History of High Rouergue.
In 1329, the lord of Pomayrols of the time made build the first, it was located at the hamlet of Chipole, it was destroyed by one of violent raw which the valleyundergoes during the winter 1705 .
In 1859 a second and transitory bridge were built again. Builds in precipitation, inaugurated on October 16, 1859, it did not support the first raw arrival and collapsed on January 5, 1860.
The current bridge goes back to 1871, its construction was financed by the State. In the year 2000, it was consolidated and entirely renovated.
Parochial registers and of marital status since:
Genealogical examinations:
Municipal deliberations since:
Personalities related to the commune
The canon Jean Pierre Bourgade, (1809-1880) general chaplain of the Navy.
Communes of France
The commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. French communes are roughly equivalent to incorporated municipalities or villages in the United States or Gemeinden in Germany...
in the Aveyron
Aveyron
Aveyron is a département in southern France named after the Aveyron River.- History :Aveyron is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on 4 March 1790....
department in southern France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
.
Geography
The commune is leaned with the first buttresses of AubracAubrac
Aubrac is a town in the southern Massif Central of France. The name is also applied to the surrounding landscape, which is properly called L'Aubrac in French. The Aubrac region has been a member of the Natura 2000 network since August 2006...
, on the southern slope of the high valley of the Lot river, between the cities of Saint-Laurent d'Olt and Saint-Geniez-d'Olt
Saint-Geniez-d'Olt
Saint-Geniez-d'Olt is a commune in the Aveyron department in southern France.-Population:Its inhabitants are called Marmots.-External links:*...
.
Its land area is 2,340 hectares (in the shape of triangle); its altitude varies from 433 meters in La Tourre with 1,180 meters at the "Puech of the Blackbird".
Its northeastern limit touches the department of Lozère
Lozère
Lozère , is a department in southeast France near the Massif Central, named after Mont Lozère.- History :Lozère is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790...
with the commune of Trélans, it follows the old track "drailhe" used formerly by the pilgrims of the Way of St. James
Way of St. James
The Way of St. James or St. James' Way is the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried....
, now GR footpath
GR footpath
The Grande Randonnée , Grote Routepaden or Lange-afstand-wandelpaden , Grande Rota or Gran Recorrido is a network of long-distance footpaths in Europe, mostly in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain. In France alone, the trails cover approximately 60,000 km...
n° 6 which connected Le Puy-en-Velay
Le Puy-en-Velay
Le Puy-en-Velay is a commune in the Haute-Loire department in south-central France.Its inhabitants are called Ponots.-History:Le Puy-en-Velay was a major bishopric in medieval France, founded early, though its early history is legendary...
to Conques
Conques
Conques is a commune in the Aveyron department in southern France.-Geography:The village is located at the confluence of the Dourdou and Ouche rivers. It is built on a hillside and has classic narrow Medieval streets. As a result, large vehicles cannot enter the historic town centre but must...
.
In southeast, from the ravine of the Drop to Puech Grond is used as limit with the commune of Saint Laurent d'Olt.
In the south, runs the Lot river which goes down from Saint Laurent d'Olt, it separates the commune with that from La Capelle Bonance.
The river is used as border between two extremely different natural areas: mounts of Aubrac in north, large plateaus in the south.
In southwest, the road on right bank of the brook of Bonance (known as "Canto Serp") borders the commune of Saint Geniez d' Olt.
In the northwest the commune is separated from that of Aurelle-Verlac by a line which passes under Ginestes, Molière and Fraïssinède.
Localities and hamlets
Names of Villages, farms and hamlets located on the territory of the commune in French and Occitan, with translation and origin.Pomayrols, (Pomairòls): place with the many apple trees, comes from Latin poma, pomum: apple.
Chipole, (Gipola), "at Gipou" place which belongs to Joseph (Latin origin);
La Tourre, Torre: the tower, in Latin turris: the tower.
Vialaneuve , (the viala nova): the new way or new villa, from Latin via: the way.
La Bessière, ( becièra ): planted place of birches, from Latin betullus: birch.
Le Monna
Les Gandalgues
La Fage, ( the Fagia, in the past, the Clara Fagia): clearing of beeches, in Latin fagus/fagea: beech.
Bonance
Rouveret, (Roveret): plantation of oaks; place planted of reopen (oaks): from Latin robur: reopen.
Les Vergounhoux, (los Vergonhôs): the vergogneux ones (humble and modest shy persons) in Latin vergonha: timidity.
Lespinasse (the espinassa): where there are thorn-bushes, in Latin spina: spine.
Le Flourigués (florigués): flowered place, in Latin flor: flower.
La Boulesq, (the bolesc): place or house belonging to "Ball" (Latin origin).
Falguières, (will falguièras): ferns, in Latin filicaria: fern.
Les Crouzets, (los crosets): the small hollows, come from Celtic the kris, then in popular Latin crosus: hollow.
Le Martinesq (lo Martinesc): place or house which belongs to Martin (Latin origin).
La Plagne, (the planha): flat place, in Latin planea: plain.
Les Pougettes
La Bourgade, (the borgada): the village, comes from Germanic, burg: city.
Les Gandalgues
The farms and hamlets located on left bank of the Lot river forming are added part of the parish of Pomayrols:
In the commune of Capelle-Bonance:
La Prade
Pomiès
Navechs
Le Gibertès
Le Laus
In the commune of Saint-Geniez-in Olt:
Cayzac (Caïsac): place pertaining to "Caïus" (Latin origin).
(Sources: Al Canton of Feels-Ginièis, departmental mission of the culture, ISBN 2-907279-07-6)
Landscapes
The formerly cultivated slopes made place with the wood of oaks or chestnuts intersected with natural meadows.On the heights, the moors of heathers were gradually replaced by vast meadows and fields of cereals.
On the commune, since the 1970s, the farmers forsook little by little the slopes with the profit heights easier to exploit.
If this change is not without incidences on the quality of surrounding spring waters, at the bottom of the valley on the other hand, this evolution allowed to see developing vast areas with the passing of years where nature took again its rights for the greatest benefit of the flora and fauna.
On along the river, this new situation does not make forget the maintenance of the banks in order to reduce the devastators effects of the risings.
Natura 2000 setting
In order to preserve this biodiversityBiodiversity
Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Biodiversity is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Biodiversity is in part a function of climate. In terrestrial habitats, tropical regions are typically rich whereas polar regions...
, the high valley of the Lot between Espalion and the Saint Laurent d'Olt were integrated into the Natura 2000
Natura 2000
Natura 2000 is an ecological network of protected areas in the territory of the European Union.-Origins:In May 1992, the governments of the European Communities adopted legislation designed to protect the most seriously threatened habitats and species across Europe. This legislation is called the...
network.
In Pomayrols, on right bank of the river, the grounds located under the road n° 509 starting from the place known as:"Le Gravas" to the limit of Saint Laurent are indexed by the Général council of Aveyron as a sensitive natural area .
This part of the valley which extends on 8 km (5 mi) from banks makes from now on the object of specific contracts and procedures as regards agriculture in order to guarantee the protection of these mediums and to take care of the quietude of the animal species present.
History
Before the French RevolutionFrench Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
, the castle and its land had successively belonged to several families of former Nobility
Nobility
Nobility is a social class which possesses more acknowledged privileges or eminence than members of most other classes in a society, membership therein typically being hereditary. The privileges associated with nobility may constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or may be...
.
Rights and duties of the lord of the manor of Pomayrols:
The Lord of the Manor
Lord of the Manor
The Lordship of a Manor is recognised today in England and Wales as a form of property and one of three elements of a manor that may exist separately or be combined and may be held in moieties...
had on his field (Manorialism
Manorialism
Manorialism, an essential element of feudal society, was the organizing principle of rural economy that originated in the villa system of the Late Roman Empire, was widely practiced in medieval western and parts of central Europe, and was slowly replaced by the advent of a money-based market...
) the duty to ensure peace and safety for the people.
In order to maintain the peace, he had the legal authority, the right to make "the high, middle and low justice".
To show this capacity, he was allowed to draw up one or several Gibbet
Gibbet
A gibbet is a gallows-type structure from which the dead bodies of executed criminals were hung on public display to deter other existing or potential criminals. In earlier times, up to the late 17th century, live gibbeting also took place, in which the criminal was placed alive in a metal cage...
. (In french this right was called: right of fork).
In Pomayrols, the gibbet was located at the cross of the stake (formerly a much attended crossing point).
To ensure the safety of the goods and the people, he had to maintain men trained with the use of the weapons.
These expenses were financed by the perception of taxes and various royalties such as (Censive, Champart, Lods_&_sales and commun run of peace).
Because of the scarcity of currency, these taxes were paid either in food products or in day's works ( Corvée).
These local taxes resulting from Feudalism
Feudalism
Feudalism was a set of legal and military customs in medieval Europe that flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries, which, broadly defined, was a system for ordering society around relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service or labour.Although derived from the...
would be applied until August 4, 1789.
Cayrodes 1261–1408
In 1261, the seigniory belonged to the family of Cayrodes, Pons de Cayrodes (Étienne de Cayrodes'son) was the first of this line.
(the pact of marriage of Guillemette the Pons de Cayrodes' sister going back to 1261 is the oldest document which mentions the existence of the castle of Pomayrols.)
In 1360, by the Treaty of Brétigny
Treaty of Brétigny
The Treaty of Brétigny was a treaty signed on May 9, 1360, between King Edward III of England and King John II of France. In retrospect it is seen as having marked the end of the first phase of the Hundred Years' War —as well as the height of English hegemony on the Continent.It was signed...
, a great part of the South-west of France including Rouergue
Rouergue
Rouergue is a former province of France, bounded on the north by Auvergne, on the south and southwest by Languedoc, on the east by Gévaudan and on the west by Quercy...
was annexed to Guyenne
Guyenne
Guyenne or Guienne , , ; Occitan Guiana ) is a vaguely defined historic region of south-western France. The Province of Guyenne, sometimes called the Province of Guyenne and Gascony, was a large province of pre-revolutionary France....
which was already an English possession since 1259.
Pomayrols from now on was located at the border with close Gévaudan
Gévaudan
Gévaudan is a historical area of France, nowadays situated in Lozère département. It took its name from the Gabali, a Gallic tribe subordinate to the Arverni.- History :...
remained with the crown of France. The Black Prince
Edward, the Black Prince
Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Prince of Aquitaine, KG was the eldest son of King Edward III of England and his wife Philippa of Hainault as well as father to King Richard II of England....
troops set up a regular monitoring of this new border.
Between 1361 and 1369, an English garrison occupied the châtellenie of La Roque Valzergues close to Saint Saturnin de Lenne.
(Witness of this disturbed time, the rock of the English, " Lo ròc dels Anglés" in occitan language
Occitania
Occitania , also sometimes lo País d'Òc, "the Oc Country"), is the region in southern Europe where Occitan was historically the main language spoken, and where it is sometimes still used, for the most part as a second language...
.
This large rock drawn up on the Southern slope of the small valley of the Cazette holds its name for the time when these soldiers who moved in hostile environment, used it as place of sheltered and made safe bivouac).
In 1408, Hugues de Cayrodes tested the field in favour of the marquis de Laromiguière a close relation of his family.
Laromiguiere 1408–1452
In 1425, always during the Hundred Years' War
Hundred Years' War
The Hundred Years' War was a series of separate wars waged from 1337 to 1453 by the House of Valois and the House of Plantagenet, also known as the House of Anjou, for the French throne, which had become vacant upon the extinction of the senior Capetian line of French kings...
, at the beginning of the reign of the king Charles VII of France
Charles VII of France
Charles VII , called the Victorious or the Well-Served , was King of France from 1422 to his death, though he was initially opposed by Henry VI of England, whose Regent, the Duke of Bedford, ruled much of France including the capital, Paris...
, Loîse (Louise) of Laromiguière married Aymeric de Montamail which taken the name and armorial bearings of Laromiguière.
In 1452, Gabrielle their daughter, married Bérard Murat de Lestang which engaged for him and its, to keep the armorial bearings of Laromiguière.
Murat de Lestang 1452–1687
Among the lords of Rouergue, the family Murat de Lestang was during the 15th and 16th century, one of most powerful of the county.
The Pomayrols line:
Gabrielle de Laromiguière: heiress of Pomayrols, Cambon, La roque Sainte Marguerite, and Bozouls in Rouergue as well as Montamat close to Raulhac in Auvergne.
Bérard Murat de Lestang: Rider and chamberlain of the king Louis XI of France
Louis XI of France
Louis XI , called the Prudent , was the King of France from 1461 to 1483. He was the son of Charles VII of France and Mary of Anjou, a member of the House of Valois....
.
He was named by the king with the command of the military forterress of Usson in Auvergne.
Gabrielle and Bérard (Bernard) had three children, Antoine, Pierre and Gabriel.
Gabriel Murat de Lestang: Knight Hospitaller of saint John of Jerusalem, that the History indicates under the name of Commander of Pomayrols.
He illustrated itself, with his friends in arms by its bravery at the time of the defense of the fortress of Rhodes besieged by Suleiman the Magnificent
Suleiman the Magnificent
Suleiman I was the tenth and longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, from 1520 to his death in 1566. He is known in the West as Suleiman the Magnificent and in the East, as "The Lawgiver" , for his complete reconstruction of the Ottoman legal system...
in 1522, under the reign of Francis I of France
Francis I of France
Francis I was King of France from 1515 until his death. During his reign, huge cultural changes took place in France and he has been called France's original Renaissance monarch...
. Of return in France it managed the commandery of Saint Jean
Saint-Jean, Haute-Garonne
Saint-Jean is a commune in the Haute-Garonne department in southwestern France.It is located northeast of Toulouse on the N88 or road of Albi .-Population:- External links :*...
of Toulouse.
Antoine Murat de Lestang: Rider of the king Charles VIII of France
Charles VIII of France
Charles VIII, called the Affable, , was King of France from 1483 to his death in 1498. Charles was a member of the House of Valois...
. Married in 1504, with Marquise, the daughter of Guillaume, Baron
Baron
Baron is a title of nobility. The word baron comes from Old French baron, itself from Old High German and Latin baro meaning " man, warrior"; it merged with cognate Old English beorn meaning "nobleman"...
of Estaing
Estaing, Aveyron
Estaing is a commune in the Aveyron department in southern France.Located in the north of the Aveyron department in the Midi-Pyrénées region, Estaing is considered as one of the most picturesque villages in France. The village is very quiet during the winter months; it is in the summer that the...
, without children, he bequeathed Pomayrols to Pierre his brother.
Pierre Murat de Lestang: Married during the alive one of Antoine with Marie , heiress of the castle of Labastide - Teulat, they bequeathed Pomayrols to François their son.
François Murat de Lestang: Married on 1541, with Anne, the daughter of Antoine, Lord of Valzergues and Naussac,
they bequeathed Pomayrols to Antoine their son.
It was at that time, on February 15, 1568, during the French Wars of Religion
French Wars of Religion
The French Wars of Religion is the name given to a period of civil infighting and military operations, primarily fought between French Catholics and Protestants . The conflict involved the factional disputes between the aristocratic houses of France, such as the House of Bourbon and House of Guise...
, under the reign of the king Charles IX of France
Charles IX of France
Charles IX was King of France, ruling from 1560 until his death. His reign was dominated by the Wars of Religion. He is best known as king at the time of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre.-Childhood:...
, that the castle and the church of the village were plundered and ransacked.
Huguenot
Huguenot
The Huguenots were members of the Protestant Reformed Church of France during the 16th and 17th centuries. Since the 17th century, people who formerly would have been called Huguenots have instead simply been called French Protestants, a title suggested by their German co-religionists, the...
revolts , come from Millau
Millau
Millau is a commune in the Aveyron department in southern France. It is located at the confluence of the Tarn and Dourbie rivers.-History:...
, sowed terror through Rouergue.
They were caught of it more particularly to the members clergy and with the goods of the catholic Church. Learning that in the castle of Pomayrols, had been stored harvests but especially of the pieces of furniture and the objects of great values of the churches of Saint-Geniez, they went there to take it by storm, in spite of the walls, the attackers in excess did not have any difficulties of taking the " local Fort Knox".
The castle was plundered and set fire to. The six priests who had the guard of the parochial goods were carried out by the sword.
In same time, learning that moniales were with the monastery of Fage, the plunderers went up there at once.
Alerted this threat, the moniales fled towards Saint-Geniez by the valley, they were refugièrent in the hermitage of Saint-Pierre (near to the current vault of the boxwood).
They will remain there until May 17, 1586, this day there, Saint Geniez d' Olt was again attacked by the troops of the Protestant Reformation
Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century split within Western Christianity initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other early Protestants. The efforts of the self-described "reformers", who objected to the doctrines, rituals and ecclesiastical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, led...
, the churches were plundered and set fire to, the hermitage of Saint Pierre located near to the borough undergoes the same fate, unhappy young women whom the History will retain under the name of Ladies of Pomayrols, all were massacred.
Antoine Murat de Lestang 2nd of the name: Married on June 18, 1581, Jeanne, the only daughter of Antoine de Bérail the Lord of Paulhac, Caylus, Belpech and other places. Antoine dies "of violent death" on September 26, 1613. (He will be the last Lord to have resided permanently at the castle). He bequeathed Pomayrols to Claude his son.
Claude Murat de Lestang: Gentleman with the room of the king Louis XIII of France
Louis XIII of France
Louis XIII was a Bourbon monarch who ruled as King of France and of Navarre from 1610 to 1643.Louis was only eight years old when he succeeded his father. His mother, Marie de Medici, acted as regent during Louis' minority...
. It married on November 14, 1615, Gabrielle, the daughter of Jean, Sénéchal and Governor of Toulouse, Lord of Valette and other places. They gave birth to three children: Jean, Marie and François. They Bequeathed Pomayrols to Jean.
Jean Murat de Lestang: Married on March 20, 1664, Anne-Marthe, the daughter of Louis, Lord of Brunet, Vicomte of Ambialet, Panat and other places. They had three children: François, Anne and Marie. They bequeathed Pomayrols to François their elder son.
François Murat de Lestang: Without children, it bequeathed Pomayrols to Anne her sister.
On October 5, 1687, Anne Murat de Lestang married Jean Baptist Deroux de la Loubière, thus was completed the line of Murat de Lestang with Pomayrols.
Deroux de la Loubiere 1687 - 1754
In 1754, Jean Baptist DeRoux (2nd of the name) tested the field of Pomayrols in favour of his nephew Jean Baptist Dupont de Ligonnes
Dupont of Ligonnes 1754 - 1789
After the year 1800, Charles Gabriel Dupont de Ligonnès, his son, sold the castle (which for lack of maintenance was in state of advanced decay) to Mr. Aymar de Jabrun.
Sources: The gold Book of Pomayrols, Maury printer S.A, 4E quarter 1982.
History of Rouergue, Editions Privat 1987, ISBN 2-7089-1689-0
Administration
Successive mayors since 1900- Period Identity Party Quality
- 1900 to 1904 Numa Autigeon
- 1904 to 1938 Joseph Bouscary
- 1938 to 1958 Baptist Badoc
- 1959 to 1967 Joseph Tisse
- 1967 to 1983 Jean Savaric
- 1983 to 2008 André Solignac
- since 2008 Bernard Solignac
Source: www.pomayrols.com.
Population
Demography under the Ancien Régime:Since the 14th century, the bishops of Rodez are held to make at least once during their mandate, the round of inspection of each parish.
About 1515, the parish of Pomayrols (which included La Boulesq and Falguières) counted 1200 inhabitants including 400 in the borough.
During the 18th century, under the reign of the king Louis XV of France
Louis XV of France
Louis XV was a Bourbon monarch who ruled as King of France and of Navarre from 1 September 1715 until his death. He succeeded his great-grandfather at the age of five, his first cousin Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, served as Regent of the kingdom until Louis's majority in 1723...
, the result of the inspections of 1746 and 1771 teach us that the population which lived in Pomayrols turned around a thousand of inhabitants (900 in 1746, 1090 in 1771, including 341 in the borough).
Demography during 19th and 20th centuries:
In 1874 the commune counted 1107 inhabitants. 479 on the parish of Pomayrols, 378 around Boulesq and Falguières, 250 around Fage.
From the 16th until at the end of the 19th century, the population of the valley thus remained relatively stable.
Marriage certificates on the commune and parish of Pomayrols to the 19th century.
According to the data base of the F.N.A.A
Since the end of the 19th century, the migrations (towards Paris or others towns and South America too) noted on the whole of Massif central area did not save the commune.
In 1914, it counted only 600 inhabitants. Between 1914 and 1918, the First World War left 61 victims among the men in age to found a family, accentuating the depopulation.
Nowadays, the commune is characterized by the doubling of its population in estival period.
According to I.N.S.E.E statistics, in 1999, the commune counted 142 dwelling houses which were distributed between:
57 main homes, 7 vacant dwellings and 78 second homes (majority belonging to families having origins on the commune).
John the Baptist church
The church is located at the bottom of the village, with the arrival of the path which named formerly the coast of the Lords.The building existed from the very start of the 11th century.
In 1050, under the reign of Henry I of France
Henry I of France
Henry I was King of France from 1031 to his death. The royal demesne of France reached its smallest size during his reign, and for this reason he is often seen as emblematic of the weakness of the early Capetians...
, Hugues de Calmont, bequeathed it to the abbey of Conques which will manage it during more than three centuries. The village was used as stage for the pélerins of the Way of St. James
Way of St. James
The Way of St. James or St. James' Way is the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried....
, which went from Puy in Velay to Conques.
On February 28, 1390, the abbey of Conques yields the administration of the church and its Priory
Priory
A priory is a house of men or women under religious vows that is headed by a prior or prioress. Priories may be houses of mendicant friars or religious sisters , or monasteries of monks or nuns .The Benedictines and their offshoots , the Premonstratensians, and the...
to the diocese of Rodez.
In 1452, Bérard Murat de Lestang, undertook its rebuilding.
(the side chapel of the rosary where it puts back beside Gabrielle his wife is the only part of the church who remains us of this time).
Partly burned in 1568 during the wars of religion, the church was raised returned peace. Three centuries later, between 1840 and 1900, the church was gradually restored: the vault in 1840, interior parts in 1852, the bell-tower in 1855.
The Saint Peter cross
(Located near to the borough of Pomayrols at the turning of the lane which leads to Bonance).It is a very beautiful cross cut out of limestone where figure in low relief Peter the apostle and on which one you can read the following inscription: " FEV Marie Veisset de Bonance founder of this cross. A lord' s Prayer and a Maria ave. Requiescant in pace. Amen." Pierre Flovrou that it did it the year 1740.
Opposite the current cross, there was a small vault also dedicated to Saint Peter who had been built in 1544 per Pierre Murat de Lestang.
The chapel of the calvary
Its frontage cuts out on the peak of the hill to a few hundred meters of the borough of Pomayrols.It was built in 1788 by the Marie and Christine Massabuau. In ruin one century afterwards, it was raised in 1880 by the inhabitants of the village (owners of the building) In 1988, at the time of its bicentenary, it was restored on the initiative of the Parisians friendly society.
Mary Magdalene Church
Located near to the hamlet of La Fage, sheltered with the hollow of a small valley, the church existed since 10th century.In 1082, it was given by Pons of Etienne (bishop of Rodez between 1079 and 1095) to the abbey Saint Victor of Marseilles .
In 1144, the pope Lucius II confirmed this donation.
About 1550, the two daughters of Pierre Murat de Lestang lord of Pomayrols founded a monastery there. In 1568, during the wars of religion, the buildings were partly destroyed.
In 1700 the church was set up in parish. The priests resident will follow one another it to the 20th century (1931).
During the 19th century, work of restoration was undertaken by the fabric committee and the parishioners to preserve the building of the bad weather.
In 1879, a part of the church was repaired as well as the presbytery.
In 1892, the rough-casting of the walls.
The side Romance vault constitutes the only vestiges which remain us of preceding building.
Saint Roch Church in La-Boulesq
Located on the Southern slope of the valley, in the medium of the charming village of Boulesq, the church whose bell-tower is built out of pink sandstone of Saint Laurent d'olt date of 1893.It was built since 1890 by the inhabitants of the village.
Previously, at the place of the current presbytery, there was a small vault also dedicated to Saint Roch who went back to 1777.
This vault was set up in parish on April 26, 1787 by the bishop of Rodez of the time: Jerome-Marie Champion of Cicé.
The cross with the wheel in Falguières
Located in top of the village, this beautiful pink sandstone cross overhanging a fountain is finely worked.It carries the date of 1856 and the inscriptions: E J.B., the initials of Enfru Jean Baptist, who was a stonemason.
The castle
The presence of the castle would go up to the 10th century, period during which many fortifications were built.Its existence is attested since 1261 in the marriage certificate of Guillemette the Pons de Cayrodes' sister.
The current castle, at least what us remains about it, was completed in 1446.
It results from rehandlings and enlargings carried out on the castle of origin.
In this end of the Middle Ages, the memory of made plunderings a few decades before by the The Great Company was always present in the spirits and justified this construction for the protection of the goods and the people.
Here is an old description:
This building forms a quadrilateral oblong and flanked on the southernmost frontage of two grosses 28 metres (91.9 ft) towers (not included crenels).
They have with their external base, ten nine meters of circumference. In the towers are "apartments": four in the East and six in the West.
The thickness of the walls is 1 meter. The frontage of the South east bored of 15 windows. The walls as well as the towers are crenelated.
Ditches made the turn of the castle. In front of the gate are the superimposed stables whose Western frontage has five arcades with semicircular arch and loopholes, resting on large cylindrical columns half.
The castle is built out of schist drowned in the mortar watered with the large sand of Lot river.
This mortar is very hard, because it is easier to cross than to tear off the stone.
The corners of the doors and the windows are in likings variegated, taken with the careers of Capelle Bonance.
In 1329, to facilitate transport of it, the lord of Pomayrols had made build a bridge upon the Lot river which was carried by a rising in 1705.
The building of 1446 will preserve its aspect of origin until 1568. After the passage of Huguenots, the ransacked parts all were not rebuilt.
Murat de Lestang which had functions at the court of Versailles will not remain any more with the castle.
It is a building without maintenance, delivered to the bad weather and the plunderers which is bought during the French revolution by Mr. Aymar de Jabrun.
During the 19th century, Aymar de Jabrun sells the masonry to Mr. Xavier Fournier (craftsman on wood) who will rebuild the parts in ruin.
In the Southern building, it will arrange there workshops at the ground floor and apartments in the stages.
In 1905 it sells with the commune the part located at the East and the contiguous tower. It will arrange there a public school at the ground floor, the residences of the teachers to the 1er stages. In the tower: the town hall.
In 1986, this part was entirely renovated and reconverted in rooms of reception and residences of hiring. A part of angle shelters a museum where a remarkable collection of agricultural tools of formerly is exposed.
Today, in spite of the scars of the History and the successive rehandlings, the whole with always good pace, although not yet protected with the title from the historic buildings the castle with its two high towers remains a witness always upright of the History of High Rouergue.
The Chipole bridge
It is the third bridge built at this place of the valley;In 1329, the lord of Pomayrols of the time made build the first, it was located at the hamlet of Chipole, it was destroyed by one of violent raw which the valleyundergoes during the winter 1705 .
In 1859 a second and transitory bridge were built again. Builds in precipitation, inaugurated on October 16, 1859, it did not support the first raw arrival and collapsed on January 5, 1860.
The current bridge goes back to 1871, its construction was financed by the State. In the year 2000, it was consolidated and entirely renovated.
Archives
Old pictures:Parochial registers and of marital status since:
Genealogical examinations:
Municipal deliberations since:
Personalities related to the commune
The canon Jean Pierre Bourgade, (1809-1880) general chaplain of the Navy.
External links
- Mairie de Pomayrols (Site officiel)
- Pomayrols sur le site de l'Institut géographique national
- Pomayrols sur le site de l'Insee
- Pomayrols sur le site du Quid
- Localisation de Pomayrols sur une carte de France et communes limitrophes
- Plan de Pomayrols sur Mapquest
- Vue aérienne de Chipole (Google maps)
- Vue aérienne de Pomayrols (Google maps)