In the
15th century, the skills required to make paper
reached us here in Grandrif. A paper mill was
established. But a paper mill is greedy for water,
both in the process of making the paper and
providing power for the machinery. After a time it
became clear that the existing stream was unable to
provide sufficient water. Thus it was that the
owner of the mill, in order to augment the supply
of water, went up to the Col de Pradeaux and
diverted a river that had been flowing down to St.
Antheme.
You will
not be surprised to hear that there was some anger
in certain quarters about this somewhat high handed
action. Notably, Seigneur de la Roue went up with a
small force of men and dismantled the diversion.
A very dim view was taken by the Paper Mill owner who took the matter to Paris. What chance did he have against the mighty Seigneur de la Roue you might reasonably ask ?
A very dim view was taken by the Paper Mill owner who took the matter to Paris. What chance did he have against the mighty Seigneur de la Roue you might reasonably ask ?
You
should know that in the 17th century glass was very
expensive. If you have ever dropped some grease on
a piece of paper you will recall
that the paper became transparent.
Special
paper covered in suet was highly prized in Paris
for 'glazing' windows. It was an issue that
affected Paris and Parisians, even King Louis XIV.
Guess from where the best paper for this purpose
came. Exactly ! So in 1678 Seigneur de la Roue lost
his case to the producer of this vital paper and
the river has flowed through Grandrif ever since.
Although, as the photo shows, not all of it.
