Moulin Salles Brief History

Moulin Salles - a brief history It is difficult to date exactly when milling first began on the site where the current Moulin is sited but research refers to a Moulin in th the 15 century and it is most likely that the site was used long before that. Much of the land in the Lizonne valley belonged to the Moulin with some fields growing hemp in 1699. Because the Moulin existed pre-Napolean the property retains ancient water rights. The local Lord of Loches owned and rented out the Moulin which was also used as the local courthouse (probably the current salon). Over its history the Moulin has been used to produce flour, hand- made paper in the mid 17thC and walnut oil more recently. A separate Moulin that produced walnut oil stands in the grounds and has all the original machinery though it is now in need of repair. Angouleme, the capital city of the Charente Department was a renowned paper producing centre. Most millers were tenants, some good, some not. Over its history the Moulin has at times fallen into disuse and disrepair. Millers are known back to 1686 when the Conchon family ran the Moulin and appeared to be successful, paying the agreed rent. However in 1714, miller M. Testaud left the Moulin in a serious state of disrepair whilst also owing rent. In 1743 a local survey described the Moulin as abandoned but by 1757, Mme. Clausure and her son- in-law were again producing flour. In 1765 the Moulin was producing flour with 2 grindstones. Between 1838 and 1889 the business was passed through 3 generations of the same family. Page 1 of 2

Moulin Salles - a brief history A serious disagreement arose in 1887 between the miller, M Dussidor and farmers in the valley after the canal overflowed and flooded their fields. They accused the miller of raising the previously agreed water level in the canal though he denied this resulting in a lengthy legal dispute. Eventually an independent engineer proved that a stone placed beside the canal to set the maximum water level had been raised by 263mm. From that point, the threshold of the Moulin's doorway was used as a point from which to set the correct water level. Moulin Salles produced flour and walnut oil until the mid 1960’s. At this time it was still using two grindstones to produce flour, a system that was no longer financially viable. When the Moulin became redundant all the machinery on the first floor was removed though some remains on the ground floor. The building was converted into two separate living areas in addition to the owners existing accommodation. The two parts were rented out for a number of years prior to the Moulin being left empty. The current owners purchased the Moulin 11 years ago and have renovated it to its current condition. Page 2 of 2