discover the heritage of Soizy-aux-Bois during a conference

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Arnaud Sarazinthe historian of Gault-Soigny and lecturer in Reims, is resuming his conferences at the Espace-Loisir-Culture de Montmirail (ELC), the first of which will be held on Monday September 23This will focus on the rural commune of Soizy-aux-Bois, a town of just under 200 souls.

Discover the hidden treasures of the village

As for the village of Soizy-aux-Bois, there is something original that doesn’t immediately catch the eyeas the lecturer points out: “Along the D951, we can see houses located on the right side of the road, going towards Champaubert. Above these are retaining walls pierced in certain places with mysterious openings. Each time, these provide access to a staircase leading down to a well. This original arrangement is also found in the village church. Indeed, the religious building, of Romanesque origin, overlooks an imposing stone wall with a large opening giving access to a well.”

The heritage of the commune

Soizy-aux-Bois also has as heritage the castle farm. As its name indicates, it recalls the presence of a castle, owned by one of the members of the powerful Broyes family. “It was also owned by the illustrious Bellay family, related to the famous poet Joachim du Bellay. Closer to us, the castellans of Soizy were from the Florian family, related to the La Briffe family, owner of the Chapton castle,” the historian explains.

It was this family that offered the plot of land on which the‘Soizy-aux-Bois Ossuary’ who comes from celebrate its centenary just recently. Its presence is a reminder that Soizy, like other villages in the surrounding area, paid a heavy price during the first battle of the Marne. Part of the town was burned and the memory of this tragedy can still be seen on old postcards. This village has known Keeping the memory of the fighters of 14/18 aliveby building a few years ago a most symbolic monument near the town hall, signed by Patrice Alexandre, the renowned sculptor who lives in Morsains.

Conference on Monday, September 23 at 6 p.m., Barbara room on the ground floor of 28 rue du Faubourg de Paris in Montmirail. Free admission.

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