FRENCH CASTLES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 July 1939, Page 6

FRENCH CASTLES

FURTHER RESTORATION WORK.

The castle at Vaucouleurs, where Joan of Arc began her mission, is being restored, and during preliminary work a number of discoveries have been made. A hoard of French coins of five centuries ago has ben unearthed. An earthen plate of the thirteenth century has been discovered and a pilgrim’s flask of the fifteentn century. A quantity of metal, discs were unearthed at the same time bearing the words, “Long live the good King of France.”

The work of restoration is being conducted by Henry Bataille, well-known French archeologist, who will the castle of Vaucauleurs according to the original plan. Already the exact dimensions of the castle have been determined. A rectangular tower, once fifty feet high, covered by the accumulated earth of centuries, has been found, as well as the main staircase. During the coming months, the work of excavating the large hall where Joan of Arc and her companions took the oath of fidelity to the Dauphin will be started.

It was at Vaucouleurs that Joan of Arc first made her way to announce that she had been ordained by God to drive the English invaders from France. At first Robert de Baudricourt, who lived in the castle, laughed- at her pretensions, but he was finally convinced by her sincerity. It was on February 25. 1429, that she left Vaucculeurs on her dramatic journey that was to have its climax in Rouen’s market place.. Today Vaucouleurs is a picturesque Lorraine town of only 3316 inhabitants. The chapel where Joan prayed has been reconstructed according to the original scheme, and in it have been placed a number of stained glass windows telling the story of the Maid of Orleans. The gate of the town. "La Porte de France." through which she passed as she set out for Chinon and the first meeting with the Dauphin, is still standing. i The Lorraine Historical Society expect that the work of restoration of the famous castle will’ be completed before the end of next year.