Visits / History

 The origin of Villedieu

Villedieu was founded in the 12th century by the Hospitaliers of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Having obtained some twelve hectares of land in the Valley of the river Sienne, the Order decided to set up a Commandery in the part known as: Villedieu de Saultchevreuil.

 The influence that the Knights of Malta had on the town 

Different legal Acts of which one dating from 1187, shows the rapid development of the Commandery under the direction of the Commander. This Commandery having the right of “legal representation” and of “policing” had also a “Grand Chaplain” so that the medical services and the hospitaliers could receive the pilgrims, the homeless and the sick. Guarding the hospital as with the town, was assured by the middle-class militia - the Captain and the Lieutenant being chosen by the Commander.

The ceremonies of the Great Rite

From 1655 until the French Revolution, the brotherhood of the Saint Sacrament organised under the supervision of the Knights of Malta a grand religious procession: “the Grand Sacre” (Great Rite). The procession recommenced in 1955, to celebrate the 300^th anniversary of this event and now takes place every four years in Villedieu-les-Poêles. It is a very popular event and attracts dignitaries from around the world. Not to be missed !! For more information: www.villedieu.grandsacre.fr

The success of copper manufacture from the Middle Ages

The start of industry in Villedieu les Poêles

Numerous commercial privileges donated by Henry Beauclerc 1^st, Duke of Normandy and King of England, allowed the Hospitaliers to create a favourable financial climate for the establishment of a number of artisans: pan-makers, potters, founders, carpenters and copperware manufacturers in the town.

Strangely, pan-making, up to this point unknown in the region, was a great success. In 1328, the pan-makers formed a “professional” brotherhood, employing nearly all the local population. Over the centuries the products that they produced represented a major source of wealth for Villedieu. The reputation of the pan making of Villedieu exceeded the national average to such a point that Rabelais (15^th century historian) made reference to this fact in his book “The childhood of Pantagruel”

Business continued to boom with the arrival of the railway line in the 19^th century running from Paris to Granville, and attracted many grand families to the town. Around this time the founders collected the pieces of copper left over from the artisans to make their bells (the bronze was made from approximately 70% copper).

Lastly, lace making, the last traditional craft to be set up in Villedieu, which also had its hour of glory in the 19^th Century and represented the second source of wealth for Villedieu after the copper. Whilst the men worked the copper, the women developed a lace-making tradition that they passed on to the following generations.

In the 20^th century with the growth of products produced commercially, the copper artisan, limited to making culinary and utilitarian products diversified into making other objects and with the arrival of the tourist clientele, the copper smiths found a new market to exploit.

Today the array of craft professions in Villedieu is constantly being enriched. Besides the cabinet making, largely represented throughout the community, trades like pottery, restoration of objects of art, saddle-making, tapestry making and fantasy jewellery making, have all found their place here.