LA MAISON TUMTUM ARBRE
-The Gite - The Piggeries - Thirsty Steves -
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Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
- A LITTLE HISTORY -
La Maison Tumtum Arbre includes the Gite, the Piggeries and Thirsty Steves Brewery beside the Church of Our Lady at Veniers. The buildings originally housed a seminary and accommodation for the novice priests, livestock and lay-keepers. Although the church itself records a history extending to the 11th and 12th century, the church as it exists today is a result of restoration during the 16th and 19th centuries.
It is likely that the seminary was built during the early part of the 17th century' at the behest of the later to become Cardinal Richelieu.
Between 2017 and 2020 the site has been completely renovated.
- A LITTLE LEGEND -
Locked in the church is a carved likeness of our very own Jabberwock known locally as the Basilic of Claunay. The legend recalls the heroic struggle during the one hundred years’ war between the bravest of Loudunais knights loyal to the King of France, the Great Robin of Bournan and the cruel monster, half cock, half dragon which haunted the parishes of Veniers and Bournand. The monster would hide itself at the Fountain of Adam, throw itself on passers-by and devour them without leaving a trace. One stormy night, the Great Robin was riding on horseback returning to his Chateau at Bournand when he was assaulted by the basillic. The knight pierced the monster with a blow from his lance which broke, he dismounted and 'one, two! one, two! And through and through. The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!' he finished the beast by beheading it with his sword, before going on his way. In the morning the corpse spread a pestilential odour throughout the valley until the local peasants dragged the remains to Epeines and buried it under a dolmen.
