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Beaumont, on the bank of the river Risle
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Beaumont le Roger, in the heart of Normandy, 130 km from Paris on the bank of the river Risle. A town with roughly 3000 residents which in the past was an important regional centre, already whealthy with a long and somptuous history.
Today, thanks to its geographical situation and romantic setting within the rolling planes of rural Normandy, Beaumont is a town that is pleasant to live in. Wander through the thick forests that surround Beaumont or stroll along the emerald tracks that crisscross your path and you will discover all that Mother Nature has to offer.
400 hectares where the residents of Beaumont find pleasure, serenity and if they look close enough wild mushrooms !!
This forest, full of game, hides deers, stags, roe deer, which the ardent hiker may come acroos as he explores the alleyways of this magnificent country jungle. This is a private forest which belongs to the Magenta family.
When we talk about Beaumont, we think of the streams and rivers that bathe it. the Risle crosses the forest and shapes many valleys, one of the most well known being the Val Gallerand, where rises a magnificent collection of buildings that make up a typical Norman Farm, and any amateur fisherman can try and tease the famous "Regulus" trout.
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A brief history of Beaumont le Roger
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The origins of Beaumont go back to ancient times, there have been found within the ancient city walls flint harpoon points which give witness to the presence of prehistoric man.
The town of Beaumont le Roger owes its name to Roger of Beaumont, a powerful Lord during the 11th century. Adviser to William the Conqueror, regent of the country at the time of the Battle of Hastings (famous battle against the English), this powerful personality built on the hills sumit a large fortress surrounded by battlements, these were unfortunately destroyed upon orders of Du Guesclin. Roger of Beaumont also built the Church of Saint Nicolas and finally in 1080 he founded the Priory of the Sainte Trinité whose majestic ruins break away on the side of the hill just over the Risle valley. The priory was destroyed during the revolution and became, at a later date a Ribbon factory.
Beaumont suffered a great deal throughout the 2nd world war with 32 air raids that destroyed over 40% of the houses and seriously damaged the Church of Saint Nicolas.
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The church of Saint Nicolas
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The different stages of the Churches construction are today clearly visible. The pillars that separate the central nave from the side nave are 14th century, whilst the higher parts and the choir stalls are 16th century. The great height of the arch above the choir stalls is quite remarkable. The church suffered greatly during the air raid of March 19th 1944 and was restored between 1951 and 1972.
The stained glass windows are from the 16th century, they were taken down in 1942 to be kept safe, but now we can once again admire them in the north nave and over the choir stalls. The church also has a remarkable collection of wood and stones statues from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
Regulus, built by a clockmaker from Beaumont who was interested in clockwork toys has been comfortably installed in the clock tower since 1826. He takes his name from a Roman soldier who has become the symbol of the "given word". This Roman legionnaire was taken prisonner by the Cathares, who sent him to Rome as a hostage, meesenger, he was good to his word and did return to Cathare but despite eveything he was sentanced to death.
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