www.champanelle.net lacemakers of Saint-Genès-Champanelle 63122 France

Circle Genealogic and Historic Champanellois

Association "Law 1901" of Saint-Genès-Champanelle, 63 , France

Mrs Martine VIGIER's article from the association "LES DENTELLIERES" (the lacemakers)

The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685)

Under the influence of Madame de MAINTENON and Father LACHAISE, KING LOUIS XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes on October 18, 1685.

This decision eliminated all the privileges granted to Protestants by KING HENRI IV.

The subsequent persecutions, confiscations, forced labor in galleys, and police measures known as «Dragonades » led to the loss of approximately 250,000 inhabitants from France.

Artists, scientists, writers, and numerous artisans left the country to settle in England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. Lyonnais manufacturers of gold and silver lace emigrated to Geneva, and Alençon lost its most skilled lace makers. These emigrants carried with them to their host countries their secrets and expertise.

Nevertheless, some merchants and lace makers remained, but financial resources were scarce, and commercial exchanges dwindled due to the strained social climate.

listed crosses	59
old postcards of the commune	156
old postcards except commune	47
old postcards of the volcano Puy de Dôme	118
associations listed on the commune	216
Gordon-Bennett Cup	78