Huguenin Jacquin, a 14th century Burgundian

A tragic demise for the Jacquin family?

The Jacquin residence appears to have been abandoned in the early 15th century and the archaeologists are attempting to understand its swift demise. Although the Hundred Years’ War began in 1337, it was not until the period from 1380-1417 that the Châtillon area of Burgundy suffered a terrible population collapse. Patrice Beck, a professor at the University of Lille III, reports on the disappearance of 322 homes, or 50% of all habitations in the vicinty of Saint-Martin du Mont. The Jacquins seem to have abandoned many of their personal, and often valuable effects within their residence, and the question must be asked, why would they do this? Repeated Black Death events may well be one reason why they abandoned their home with no hope of returning. There is also the possibility of social instability caused by the Hundred Years’ War and bands of armed robbers roaming the countryside would have made life and trade extremely difficult.

Whatever the cause of the abandonment, the Jacquin residence was never been reoccupied. After being partially dismantled for its building materials, it was soon forgotten and the land used for agricultural purposes ever since.

This work is curated by the State (DRAC Burgundy).

Source: Press release from INRAP
More information:

INRAP: http://www.inrap.fr

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