Calais: Then And Now.

[stuey]

This really belongs in “History”, but there is more activity here. I was looking for something in one of my old history books and came across this. It’s not the same situation of course; however, there are some eerie similarities: homelessness, hunger, roaming the highways, etc. “The French governor had turned out of the town [Calais] every inhabitant who had not an independent supply of provisions for several months. Seventeen hundred men, women, and children, thus dispossessed, approached the English camp. They received each a meal, and two pieces of silver, and went their forlorn course into the highways. Five hundred more unhappy beings were afterwards thrust out, and perished between the walls of Calais and the English lines” That was from “The Popular History of England” by Charles Knight published in 1856, page 465. It describes events which happened in 1347.

[Buenchico]

The events of 1347 are commemorated in Rodin's 'The Burghers of Calais', which stands outside the magnificent town hall there:
http://asptthauteloire.asso-web.com/uploaded/photo/asptthauteloire-semaine-federale-asptt-calais-2012-504f61214a31e.jpg

[stuey]

Interesting, Chris. It does appear that history does have a habit, in one form or another, of repeating itself. I just find it amazing that I was scanning through this book for something completely unrelated, and happened to come across what I posted.

[stuey]

I'm always fascinated by the wording and phrasing of these old history books. And the wood-cut engravings are quite intricate.

[jourdain2]

'Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose!' Can't remember the origination of the quote. Very interesting stuey Worth looking up when next vistor, tomorrow, has gone.

[Jackdaw33]

I remember this story from my childhood. Edward III promised not to kill the inhabitants if the town could provide 12 burghers to be hanged. 12 men volunteered but were saved from hanging by Queen Philippa who interceded with the king on account of their bravery.

[stuey]

These responses certainly indicate that you people are quite knowledgeable of your English history.