Water is of course the source of life for both man and beast and communities initially formed alongside rivers and streams or, later, that which was pumped up from underground (the fontaines). But man’s then close proximity to his cemeteries and to his animals, sharing the water supply with them for all needs, proved to be a downfall and a reason for the spread of many diseases.
Between the years of 1826 and 1836 cholera ravaged France. The region of Meuse in Lorraine, in north-eastern France, did not escape and there were 12,000 cases; in just one year during that time 4,000 people died in the epidemic.
The government investigated the possible causes and then actively promoted and legislated for better hygiene, giving up to 30% of the cost of building village laundries (the lavoirs), In many areas these were built of stone but in poorer communities the buildings were made of wood.
The lavoirs became a meeting place for the women to gather, gossip and sing whilst cleaning the household linen and clothing. Over the following many years and with the advent of industrial laundries, launderettes and then washing machines as water became being piped directly to houses, the lavoirs fell into disuse. However, many communities have restored the buildings as part of their heritage for locals and visitors to explore and enjoy.
We have found several now but there are many more to discover and our hunt will continue...
It occurs to me that you could also look into some of the associated songs! À la claire fontaine - and Les Lavandières du Portugal come to mind.
ReplyDeleteYou're a glutton for my punishment! lol It's a thought though - thanks. :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, there may not be many, but Les Lavandières du Portugal is a good one, imo! Always ready with suggestions for other people ;-)
ReplyDeleteWell done and thanks for emailing the details. :-) xx
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