You say you want a REVOLUTION!

What hints does Château de Purnon give us to the causes of the French Revolution and what happened to the lives of those living here during this time?
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[@michaelschwaiger8071]

I’m left absolutely speechless! This is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen! French Revolution viewed from the ground, a chateau in the countryside: the upstairs downstairs division, the tenant farmers etc. - everything is so well researched and presented by you in such an interesting way. The production quality is also top notch: the pictures are cinematic, the sound is impeccable and the music just fits the scenes. Thank you for this most fascinating history lesson. Content like this should be on national television!

[@marionandjimhawthorn4844]

Absolutely, I couldn't have put it better, wonderful to watch..and learn so much. M. (NZ)

[@goldenineke]

Wonderful isn’t it? I’ve just finished reading Edward Rutherfurd’s novel ‘Paris’ which provides a wonderful social history through the generations. Worth a read.

[@annenelson3637]

@@goldenineke I've put the book on my list. Thanks for the referral.

[@kathyevans2968]

The history of the French revolution in relation to the building, it’s owners and decoration of Purnon is phenomenal. Thank you for sharing this.

[@molinationable]

I love the sensitive approach of this tour regarding social changes and the personal drama of the people who built the place. The perfect owners.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Beautifully done! You've made a compelling and touching video. This is a museum-quality informative video. Most people wax lyrical about the "stuff" in their chateaux; you've waxed poignant about the back stories to the "stuff." While the grand English houses had a similar ethos of keeping the staff invisible and housed in sub-standard conditions, the stairway to the maid's room showed a really excessive disdain for servants. I admire the way you have tied the status-symbols of the pigeonnaire and the wallpapers to the Revolution. This is how history should be taught.

[@shinyshinythings]

“Excessive disdain for servants” seems to have remained France’s brand right up through the Haussmann era. Their miserable living quarters on the top floors of those buildings, tiny spaces with zinc roofs that become little ovens in the summer, is legendary in this city. (You can rent one for the measly price of over 1000€/mo these days, if you want to experience it for yourself!)

[@elisabetharzberger2456]

thank you for digging deep not only into the archtectural but also into the social history of the revolution-years of your château!

[@bernardkealey6449]

Beautiful contextualisation.

[@kisiamalenkij6145]

Let's start with the fact that the nobility was exempted from paying taxes.

[@MaaFreddy]

Actually they paid some , La Taille, la Capitation , with variations between Provinces . The historical justification for paying less taxes than the equally rich bourgeoisie being that unlike the Bourgeoisie they paid the blood tax (war). But of course in the 18th century there were less wars than few centuries before so that was anachronistic . The Kings tried to reform the system but as land was providing less revenues many nobles resisted the changes , especially the less affluent ones. The very top layer was more willing to give up their privileges which they did in 1789. Very complex situations that are often misrepresented . For those interested Francois Furet was one of the great historians of the period .

[@kirstanshephard8393]

Beautiful just beautiful

[@greghammer5321]

best chateau video series

[@laurielaurie8280]

I wish you both much success! :)))

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Thank you both for this marvellous presentation of the historic life of its owners of Chateau de Perno and its building time - line. It was fascinating to see the tunnel taken by cooks and maids to the kitchens where they prepared luxurious meals for the nobles. I think you made a good point that, although of course some grand estates still have footmen, butlers and servants etc. - the welfare for those working in the Chateau may have been preferable than those of Tenant farmers who suffered terribly. I had never known before about the pigeons being kept in such large quantities, according to law for nobles of certain rank, that lived of the farmers seeds which led to greater famine and and disaster. I wish you both great good fortune with the restoration of the Chateau. I would love to have seen the letter, that saved the Chateau, translated to English. Xxxx ❤

[@sallyflavell6221]

Such a tragic history but the beauty of the Chateau will hopefully be restored and be a monument to the people who built it on blood sweat and tears. There seems to be a story of great loss and sacrifice behind most grand edifices in Europe. Gives pause for thought indeed. Thanks for this fascinating history. Love the dog and hope in time you will get her a mate to play with!❤

[@spongecakepress7062]

That was the coolest video! One gets the sense of exactly how the people of Pernon lived! I can't believe BTW that the pigeons were ultimately responsible for ruining the surrounding farms seeds by eating them! It really doesn't make much sense that they would eliminate the crops around them that would be ultimately supplying the Pernon family food!

We're thrilled you enjoyed this episode. Understanding the causes of the French Revolution is complicated and contested... but the pigeons played their part!

[@beverlysnow9315]

Fabulous video of the history of Purnon and its inhabitants. Thank you for all the attention to its restoration.

[@coleenbean2185]

I really loved the history lesson about Purnon. So well done.

[@bolinfan1519]

Wonderful presentation! Merci beaucoup, Madame et Monsieur!

[@jenilocke8255]

Fascinating history lesson, made more dramatic for being told from the Chateau's perspective. That view of the fields from the wind turbine tower (can't remember the proper name) was phenomenal, the colours and perspective look like a painting by a master. I bet those farmers resented those pigeons with a bitter passion that built with every sowing time, no wonder they revolted. Beautiful work on the filming and edit, I really enjoyed watching the video.❤

[@estavoyernathalie9433]

Magnifique bâtiment.....

[@paivitiitta1884]

Thank you , this was very interesting !

[@naomipannell918]

The little things like the wallpaper and portraits are absolutely priceless 🎉

[@angelakilcrease8245]

Truly excellent documentary, very educational.

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Love the history lesson as seen through this amazing chateau. Thank you for sharing 😍😘

[@jonimarchese7655]

Thank you so much for the history that surrounds your beautiful Chateau de Purnon, it is really fascinating. I love your channel, and I am so impressed, with your dedication and love to restore her to her formal glory, revealing her past, be it good or bad. Thank you again. Love from N.Y.

[@zeenatbaer138]

I really appreciate you addressing this aspect of history... and doing a very good job of it. All your videos are so professional and well put together. Well done !!

[@Gadgetmumma]

I loved this. The music choice was impeccable. Could I ask that you reduce the volume of the curtain music as it is hard to hear the words over the music. Thank you.

[@helenlesley5456]

@Gadgetmumma… glad you made that comment… as I also found it over powered the important commentary

[@nigelbullock9039]

Brilliant video full of history, facts and thoughts of life at ever time of the revolution. Petworth House in England was built with similar servants tunnels across the house and grounds. Staff. Not to be seen or heard.

[@irishwoman3975]

Thank you for giving us lesser known details of the French Revolution and how your chateau fits into all of it.

[@jeannettesmyth7643]

You are unique in the chateau reno universe in paying attention to the contributions made to chateau architecture, life and history made by the working classes. Every chateau was built on the bones of peasants, servants and artisanal workers as British, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and American fortunes were built on slavery. Thank you for acknowledging this.

[@juliawigger9796]

You left out the Africans

[@dalee.taylor2283]

Such a brilliant approach to actually embrace and embed "context for content". Your undertaking of Purnon's restoration is perhaps not too far from today's global tumult and the national/international societal & fiscal shifts and tremors we collectively are experiencing. I applaud your focus and decided route to showcase the journey and both the fiscal & physical enablers of your astute business model.

[@sharonhayes4308]

Loved listening to you on the history of Chateau Du Purnon, so interesting, thankyou from Tasmania ❤😊

[@lucillkryger8268]

Marvelous presentation and the history lesson above and beyond well done. i love history and loved hearing how the chateau existed in such hard times and why the revolution happened. What a great lesson thank you delightful in deed. ❤❤👏👏👏🥰🥰🇨🇦

[@annedevenish9643]

Fantastic documentary , enjoyed the history of Purnon, love your passion , congratulations and well done for all you’re both doing , looking forward for your next video from Point lonsdale Victoria Australia

[@jefflawrentz1624]

That’s fascinating history. It’s amazing this place has survived.

[@fredleescott2874]

Hello from Nashville, Tennessee. It's always wonderful to learn history and see the faces of those who experienced French history firsthand. What an enormous responsibility for you both to take on such an endeavor such as this. The restoration and appropriate decorations of your home is such a task. You both work from a passionate labor of love! I always anticipate your new blogs to come! You guys make your blog fun, exciting, and educational for me! I appreciate your diligent work! Best of luck!

[@kimclarke5018]

I commend you on the restoration of this chateau. I look forward to your posts with baited breathe as they are part updates on your progress, but as well a throughly researched and splendid history lesson on the chateau, and events surrounding those who inhabited the magnificent building. I’m dumbfounded that this channel does not have over 250000 viewers as the restoration is monumental and fascinatingly presented. I suspect that with time as you progress it will pick up. The two wallpapers that were highlighted are exquisite. Too bad they couldn’t be reproduced as they are stunningly beautiful and I’m quite sure those hand blocked patterns would sell. Since I live in the Washington DC area we have buildings that are funded to be saved for eternity. Further I’ve been to mansions in Newport Rhode Island that have been rescued from destruction, and are maintained by the historical society as they are woven into the history of a bygone era of the US. Thus I am keenly aware of cost factors that surround both restorations, and then maintenance. Again my thanks for time in filming and your presentations. They are not un-noticed. Well done!

[@johnphelan7663]

'Well you know, we all want to save the world'. I really loved the video, thankyou. It's so good, and right, to get the story beyond the cliché of simple history. Keep up the good work.

[@nativetexson]

Well done. The research, the history, your story telling bring the events to a more personal level. As an architect and historical preservationist as well as a history buff, thank you. 👏👏

[@pamelapeel4893]

Excellent enlightening journey through Purnon s History Thank you monumental task to restore this Grand Chateau i watch for your videos .. Blessings & Good Luck

[@belindabrustolin4958]

Great history episode and puts it all into context with the chateau! I've missed your videos and seeing the Chateau de Purnon restoration but realise your so busy, great work.

[@laurentdavid2147]

- In the 1780' the Marquis and Marquise de Purnon owned a large agricultural estate with many farmers. They needed a grand house at the center of this estate; because they were socially compelled to welcome and entertain visiting aristocrats and government officials. This house needed between 10 and 20 servants to operate, not counting the gardeners and the employee of chateau"s farm. Considering the Marquis and Marquises had 2 children, it doesn't look very strange that this family of 4 wanted some kind of privacy from the many servants that walked through their chateau's corridors and staircases... - Pigeons were a very quick and secret way of communication that central French government tried to forbid as much as they could. Only noblemen and government officials were allowed to own them, plus, the limit of 2 pigeons per hectare of land was supposed to be low enough to preserve farmers' interest. Furthermore, pigeons were trapped inside their dovecotes during seeding period. - I understand that French revolution was probably more due to the corruption of French magistrates and judiciary system than to excessive economic inequalities in the French society of the time. It looks like king Louis the XV policy was rather appropriate for the time and place ("parlement Maupéou"...), while Louis the XVIth policy was inept and made difficult problems much worse than they were....

[@jancioffi56]

Incredible video. Thanks for the history lesson. Thoroughly enjoyed!

[@lydiarowe491]

To give the insight of how Chateau Purnon was affected by the revolution brings another level to it’s history…it seems it came to a letter written begging for it’s survival ..the sleuthing has revealed what could have been diminished with time..this as been such a great episode..thanking you both..I imagine that the dinner was a grand success..⭕️🦋⭕️

Thanks for your message. We're thrilled you enjoyed this episode.

[@claudiamann7111]

That was just an amazing video. What a wonderful history lesson of the chateau. The rooms are gorgeous with great color combinations. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Randy8923]

I enjoyed your video and the fascinating history of your chateau. Blessings.

[@leahgannon5030]

Fascinating story, thank you for sharing it.👩🏼

[@francoisebekaert8137]

Thank you. Very well done and presented. Great to have the life stories of those lived there. 👏🎶

[@jimwilder5578]

It's a beautiful chateau.❤

[@smcgrath7631]

Fascinating history, love your channel! Thank you from Ontaio, Canada.

[@debbiecagliarini4421]

Loved reading all about you today in the Herald Sun newspaper. It is an amazing story and explains much about France's history. You are doing an amazing job, and i always look forward to your vlogs. From a Melbourne follower.

[@Parisdoesrock]

Fabulous vision along with diligence! Amazing effort and true dedication to saving this beautiful Chateau! Pursuing this monumental task is very unique! The Chateau will now remain for a few more centuries! Way to go!

[@lindadrew8237]

I found this video fascinating, I’m a history lover and I found your commentary mesmerising! Can’t wait for the next instalment, you two are truly admirable ❤

[@travellingcurlytops]

I can’t believe your having the event in Melbourne, where I am a mile away from France watching your video. I will try and make the event. I watched your video and follow chateau renovations on KZbin but this one intrigued me as my husbands GGG uncle (Charles Ewart Ensign) fought in the battle of Waterloo and captured the flag which ended the war. Loved watching it and the history you told ❤ Good luck

[@Louisefenner]

Well done to both of you. Great presentation skills, content and production. 🌻

[@amyogden7376]

Excellent job!

[@vfl5211]

Absolutely loved this episode - so interesting and inspiring to hear about the Revolution from the chateau's perspective. Superb - thank you!

[@clarefoskett9959]

I really enjoyed this, thank you 😊

[@louiselewis5061]

What an awesome video. Thank you! I appreciate so much your taking the time to educate us on the fascinating history of Purnon. I love your channel!

[@alaine57]

Thanks very enlightening history

[@LADYworldtv]

This is really fantastic. Thank you for the serious historical illustration of who was there and how they lived and what their fates were.

[@tgcrafts2536]

I am absolutely speechless this documentary was absolutely fascinating and l cannot think of any two people more deserving to bring this beautiful Chateau back to its former glory thank you for sharing this with us all ❤

[@StyleRecordGroupcom]

Much praise and love from England xxxx

[@seaview9948]

Excellent presentation, thank you so much . This knowledge adds even more interest to this restoration project.

[@sarahmiller5632]

OMG! The work involved is overwhelming! Best of luck to both of you.🇨🇦

[@MrTrapper28]

What an absolute joy to watch. Both of you are incredibly interesting and your passion shines through. It’s infectious. I wish you all the success in what is a monumental undertaking but one that is so worthwhile. Good luck.

[@AndersBu]

Great video🎉🎉

[@TheKaseno]

What an amazing video. I’m proud to be. Patron. ❤

[@michaelw.8614]

Fantastic episode!! So well produced and written. Fascinating history...

[@simonwalker8300]

G'day. I do love the historical context you give, it's fascinating, as is the actual physical restoration. I do hope it's all going well there, the little snatches of work looks fabulous, looking forward to seeing more.

[@Hollandsemum2]

I saw some knot willows by the orangerie!

[@gloriaveronicagonzalezgarz1271]

Great video

[@PhillKnight-e9t]

what an amazing video im actually speechless please do more content

[@KandeShack]

The editing on all your videos is amazing!!!

Thank you!

[@daphneoakes8389]

Lovely historical video. Thank you !

[@MrPoilleke]

Question for you guys Tim and Felicity 😊😊 Did the old lady and her family that gave you the keys to paradise, not have the money anymore and did they know about fhe level of patrimoine their home had? I guess they weren't as passionate as you both anymore? Or was therd another reason to sell the property? Thanks and kudos to both of you for this amazing adventure we are able to live along! 🙏🙏🙏

By the time the de Rochequairie family sold Chateau de Purnon in 2020 there were 11 different owners (from various branches of the family). That makes it very difficult to make long term decisions about the future of the chateau. They certainly understood its heritage value. After all they are the ones responsible for the Chateau's original heritage listing.

[@MrPoilleke]

Thank you guys! Here in the Walloon part of the country a couple of years ago, even with public support and protests, a castle in bigger decay (unfortunately) than your chateau was ordered destroyed, because of lack of political will, the owner not having the means to bring it back to life...smaller country (Belgium) with less funds to finance big projects...sadly If i were younger i'd gladly come volunteer to help you guys :) Keep up the great work! Cheers

Are you referring to Chateau de Noisy in Namur? It's always very complicated when buildings reach a point where their unmanaged collapse could cause a catastrophe. If the owner could not restore it and could not sell it, there comes a point where public safety must be considered. Given the cost of demolition is not cheap, why did he not give it away? If no one would have accepted it, even for free, it does tell us something about the feasibility of restoration.

[@MrPoilleke]

Yes that's it! I didn't remember the name. I am baffled by your knowledge!! Of course you are right, when things got too far and dangerous there is no other option. But a sad Belgian story where official instancies did not have the funds to get as far as you...could have been the story of Purnon if only you came 5 years later?! On the other hand we have tons of Art Nouveau buildings in pristine conditions that found private ownership (probably not the same pricetag as a french chateau?). Thank you for your answers! Cheers Pascal

When we lose a little piece of our history, we lose a piece of ourselves. But we understand that not everything can be saved and governments (understandably) have many priorities and finite resources. We can only tackle what is in front of us, and for the two of us that project is saving Chateau de Purnon... so here we are! Best wishes and we hope you continue to enjoy our journey.

[@kellydriver]

Best history lesson Ive ever had 😂. I learnt a lot. Xx Kelly, from Melbourne

[@paulrosa6173]

I watched this video again, it's so interesting. I watch a lot of these chateau DIY videos and mentioned on another that the garden design may have another more practical aspect that no one ever mentions and I don't know is true. The great set back of forest from house could have served as a protection against forest fires? Those houses are treasure houses with valuable contents. All the estate buildings' exterior surfaces are constructed of fireproof materials. It might be very interesting to search old records for any reference to forest fires? They may not have thought to keep records of weather or dry spells etc. but there must have been droughts? France suffered from frequent crop failures and famines before the 19th century. A period of crop failure and famine contributed to the start of the revolution. I don't know if it was a period of drought?

[@kimzwicker562]

How on earth can you afford the repairs, just curious because it is so beautiful.

[@RickFlood]

I thank you for the fascinating history of the Chateau with regard to the actual history of its beginning.

[@annecampbell9236]

Please tell us about yourselves more!

[@francoisgargonne7255]

Merci pour la superbe restauration du château de Purnon, un des fleurons. du patrimoine français qui, sans votre courage et votre détermination, serait tombé dans un irrémédiable abandon. Il est heureux que des "étrangers " manifestent tant de goût et d’amour pour la France pour pallier nos insuffisances.

[@raeleneneilson3179]

Fabulous production! The story of your wonderful chateau and its history should be a national treasure. I wish I could be at the launch event in Melbourne but sadly can't make it even though I'm not too far away (FNQld). I wish you all the best for the launch. I can't wait for the next installment.

[@croooaaalagraula]

It's amazing that through your hard work and video you testify that not only you are passionate about a Chateau but are real enthusiasts about European and French history. Being French I learned about the Revolution at school but never heard ( or was I distracted ? ) about the Eden Treaty, you Aussies told me about ;-) I can just say, keep up the good work, with your dedication and passion this Chateau and the people of that era have already revived !

Thanks for your message - we're thrilled you're enjoying our journey. We look forward to sharing our further progress with everyone.

[@monicariske]

I have no words. Thank you.

[@jacquesjagu480]

très beau reportage sur une magnifique propriété historique .... mais aussi une bonne leçon d'histoire française .... mais je pense qu'à cette époque tous les pays d'Europe n'avaient pas beaucoup d'attentions pour les domestiques ... en tous les cas merci pour votre courage

[@fredleescott2874]

I am speechless. I am so glad you know your home's history so well. I am elated that you own paintings of former owners and people who lived there. It's all so fascinating to me. I live in Nashville, Tennessee. We have some history but not like France or your home! I hope all goes well for you all! If you guys ever have copies of your wallpapers made and sell them as a fundraiser method, please let me know! I love all of them!

[@robnewman6101]

No. Wars are incredibley expensive and extremely violent! Tragic War Times.

Certainly the French Revolution was violent. Its causes and effects are still being debated today well over two centuries later. Thanks for your interest in our project!

[@robnewman6101]

Thank you. You're welcome.

[@robnewman6101]

Wars are very Ugly too!

[@robnewman6101]

In January 1793, The Revolutionary Government in Paris declared War on Great Britain! Was Not good! All the other Countries Monarchs so Badly Feared that the Revolution would spread across Europe! 😨😱

[@blinkingmanchannel]

Just found this one again. Well done. I see that I'd already seen this, but it's fresh to me again. So very much information is embedded in your project there. Wow again!

Thank you for your message and we hope you continue to enjoy our videos.

[@myrnamcmillan4755]

You are so brave to take this on. Now, having watched this video, i can see why so well explained . Please make some more.i wish i was younger i would love to restore something myself . I am blown away by your enthusiasm and determination.

Thanks for your message. We're thrilled you enjoyed this episode.

[@williamneil8862]

Very well done. And yes, the civil war triggered by the Revolution saw some of the bloodiest fighting, and massacres, in Lyon.

Thank you - we're thrilled you enjoyed it.

[@ginatees3262]

Amazing insight into this time in history. Magnificently documented.

Thank you! We're thrilled you enjoyed it.

[@tomphillips7391]

Great information. Thank you for this great video!

[@ghys89150]

Belle leçon d'histoire , merci

[@englishrose4388]

Tragic but beautiful storytelling.

The French Revolution left no one untouched. We're thrilled you found this episode interesting.

[@juliad368]

Amazing video merci.

Thank you! We're thrilled you enjoyed this episode.

[@donsarde]

Merci beaucoup pour ce cours très intéressant d'histoire du château et la famille du marquis. Bon courage à vous pour la restauration de ce magnifique monument historique.

[@deresamacdonald4229]

Really love this, great quality!!

Thrilled you enjoyed this episode.

[@sjscoach]

Amazing

[@sfqfddfdf]

interesting and very well edited, however please beware of some shortfalls when considering the inequalities of pre-Revolution France ; France was by no means an aristocracy, State and regional administration was since the XVIIth century also governed by elite commoners. Also, it is true nobility and the Church did not pay taxes, but funded welfare (hospitals, schooling). Finally, the social divide you suggest was intended in many estates did not exist : peasants were peasants and lords were lords but communities were tightly knit. In the west of France, the uprising of the Vendée peasants, led by their lords (of which 300 000 were killed by the Republican army) testifies the strong bond between rural inhabitants.

[@heliedecastanet1882]

Recent research establish now that the dead were 170 000, among which nearly 30 000 Republicans. The Vendée was a very particular event in the French Revolution. Elsewhere, the bond between the aristocracy and commoners still remained (except in Paris, very few aristocratic people died during the Revolution : for example, during the "Terreur" 85% of the victims in Paris were from the common people and only 8,5% from the nobility) and no such thing like the Vendée wars happened.

[@katehobbs2008]

The Marquise’s maid would have thought she was in a great position, she had her own private bedroom!, plenty of food, and very nice clothing. Everything was done for her, laundry, cooking, etc. She would have been seen with envy by others of the lower classes. Nevertheless she was probably not able to marry, was on call 24/7, and had no ability to come and go as she pleased. The kitchen staff and scullery maids were much worse off, relentless heavy hot work, although unlike many of their countrymen they never went hungry.

[@heliedecastanet1882]

You are quite right. And actually, all things considered, it is more or less the same life than the one we could see on a TV show like "Downton Abbey" : two separate entrances for domestics and masters ; domestics living downstairs or in small rooms in the attic ; domestics not to be seen… To be honest, after the events of the Revolution, life of aristocratic and wealthy people got back to what they were. The Revolution changed the political institutions, not the way of life. In 1830, a French marquis lived exactly the same way than an English one 🙂

[@elijahhodges4405]

I hope you restore that wind mill whether you pump up water, or make electricity with it remember to add a brake.