Blaye, the painting is developing slowly but nicely, destined to become one of the “Pictures Wine Villages of Bordeaux” series. (see https://artfrickers.com/sample-page/)Blaye painting progress 21.05.16
Can you begin to sense what is going to happen here?
Ok I confess, Blaye is a town nor a village however most of the few ‘towns’ in the region are quite modest in size, I think very interesting so are included in this collection .Citadel, Blaye
Blaye, pronounce Bligh, like the allegedly naughty Captain Bligh who in quite well read my opinion, history has maltreated is noted for a long history and its UNESCO World Heritage citadel, state of the art at the time, open to the public today. Blaye, a brief history
Reasons given to the King of France to justify the enormous labour and cost included it would help ‘pacify’ the people of Bordeaux who were in 17 th century still regretting the departure of the English.
You may recall, Bordeaux was one of the last English possessions to fall to France and had enjoyed great prosperity under English rule.
The final battle of the 100 years war was won by the French and fought near Bordeaux, the city was forced to capitulate soon after
Today in the 21st century many people in the region still speak of the English with affection.
The other main reason given to the Kind was the forts would enforce taxes upon shipping so raise substantial revenue.
Almost as an after thought it was pointed out they would be useful for defending this very blessed region and it’s rich produce.
Designed as one of three fortifications to block the Gironde estuary, their building was a considerable achievement, still awesome today, well worth visiting.
