A Crying Shame

Saint-Laurent-de-Mure is situated about 18 kilometers east of Lyon. There lies the  ruins of an ancient castle, once owned by the Barons of Jerphanion, who were some of the best jewelers in France. 

For centuries, there has been a legend of secret underground tunnels running from the Château de Saint-Laurent-de-Mure to l'église de Pouilleux. 

Last Monday, the 15th of November 2010, these secret tunnels were discovered! Workers were fixing a sidewalk in the Village, on rue Georges Pilet, when their work truck drove up and the road collapsed underneath it. Upon inspection, they discovered a tunnel 1.5 meters underground that is 2 meters high and roughly 1 meter wide. They went about 10 meters down the tunnel and found it to be blocked by debris. 

The Mairie, or Town Hall, made a decision NOT to inform the public and gave instructions to HIDE the tunnel and plug it up with cement immediately!!!!! Which they did!

No archaeologists were called in. No one took photos. No one noted what kind of masonry the tunnel was built with to help determine its age. No one looked to see if any ancient artifacts could be found in the tunnel. 

Nothing!

The Mairie did this as they didn't want to be bothered with archeologists coming out, didn't want to be bothered with losing money, or having villagers complain because a road is dug up. 

I don't understand how one man in a small village has the right to hide France's historical past. As a French person sadly noted when I told them of this affair, "France is losing her past."

This happens all the time. 

Ancient Roman ruins, tunnels, etc are found and they are hidden from the public and never properly explored, cataloged, or noted. People don't want to lose money or be bothered! It makes me want to cry. France should be proud of their rich and fascinating past, they should do all they can to investigate these finds and shed more light on their glorious history. Instead, small-minded people make decisions that effect the entire country. It's not right. 

Gros bisous de honte (shame) et a demain.

Love, Charley