Cultural Heritage

Description

The forges at Cormorin in Champrond, known as the Vibraye forges, bear witness to the longevity of the "big forges" of Manche, located in the heart of the rural world, close to water, forestry and mining resources. Also known as the Vibraye forges because they belonged to the family that owned the nearby Vibraye forest, the Champrond (Sarthe) forges were created by the Marquis of Vibraye, Jacques III Hurault de Vibraye, who wanted to make the most of the wood and iron ore found in his forest. The proximity of the river Braye, whose water was supplied by a large diversion canal, was a determining factor, as water was the only energy source capable of powering the machines in the workshops. The first written record dates from 1657 and we know that the forges were built on the site of an old mill. Forges of the size of those at Champrond require a watercourse with a high flow rate. For this reason, a canal was dug and a pond created in the 19th century. In the Middle Ages, nobles saw certain industrial activities as an extension of the agricultural activities on their estates. This is why they did not lose their nobility when they worked as master glassmakers or forge masters.