Editions. It is a fascinating book that has just been signed by six authors who have carried out meticulous historical research to tell 2,000 years of history. From Sabinus to the construction of the canal tunnel we learn many things about our history.
The idea of a book about the town of Balesmes had been floating around in Bernard Pitollet's head for a while. Especially since he had already had a first experience in 2014 with a book on Saints-Geosmes with Roger Journiac, Roger Gallien and Elyane Mathey. It is under the same scheme that Balesmes, 2000 years of history, is envisaged. The support is the Saints-Geosmes Loisirs association. An obvious fact since the two municipalities united their destiny within a new municipality in 2016.
And it is a real research work which was carried out by the six authors, each in their own themes. They surrounded themselves with resource people such as the historian Alain Catherinet, but also Arnaud Vaillant, from the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire who provided valuable work on the Gallo-Roman part of Balesmes. The authors also spent several hours at the Departmental Archives to go through the smallest details and events found in the 176 pages of the book.
You can hear the motors of the barges
Among the highlights of the village, several have departmental resonances. One of them is related to the construction of the canal from La Marne to La Saône. Under the town one of the longest tunnels in Europe at the time was built for river traffic. “The population triples with the drilling of the tunnel and for four years, the duration of the construction site. The workers are Polish but also many Italians. Some stayed and got married,” recalls Marc Royer. This tunnel passes directly above the village church. And we could hear the “purring of the engines of the barges passing there,” declares Marc Royer. This same church, which was closed for fifteen years for security reasons, during the restoration work closes a surprise. “One day around 9 p.m., the restaurateur came to get me and said to me: I discovered a treasure! It was a 15th century fresco painted on one of the walls of the church,” says Marc Royer.
The six authors researched the school which was closed in 2011. Many class photos were found and lent by villagers.
But Balesmes, for everyone, is the source of La Marne. Thanks to the work of Arnaud Vaillant, the authors were able to recall that the Romans had built terms here. It is also about the tumultuous life of Sabinus who revolted against Rome. Did he take refuge in the cave above the spring? This is undoubtedly part of the legend.
This book, which took four years of work, was the subject of a subscription which allowed 150 people to pre-order it. It will be available for the Christmas holidays. We will not fail to notify you of its release in bookstores.
Ph. L .
“Balesmes, 2000 years of history” published by Guéniot by Maud Cauchois, Roger Godonnier, Roger Journiac, Elyane Mathey, Bernard Pitollet and Marc Royer.
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