Before the French Revolution only the wealthy could own a Pigeonnier. This Pigeonnier in Lille stands as a testament to that era. Imagine the grandeur. The owner flaunting their privilege.
This wasn’t just a simple birdhouse. No sir. Pigeonniers were status symbols. The larger and more ornate the structure the higher the owner’s social standing. Think of it as the Cadillac of its time.
Pigeons weren’t just for show. Their droppings were valuable fertilizer. Peasants were forbidden from breeding or even eating them. A cruel irony considering how often pigeons attacked their crops.
The Revolution changed everything. Feudal rights were abolished. Pigeon keeping became legal for everyone. The guillotine had some unexpected consequences. The elite’s control over pigeons was gone.
This Pigeonnier survived. It’s a reminder of a time when pigeons were more than just birds. They were a symbol of power wealth and privilege. It’s a piece of Lille’s history. A tangible link to a bygone era. A glimpse into the lives of the French elite before the revolution. Now it stands as a testament to change. A symbol of the past now open to all.