Before us lies the Cimetière Ancien de Thorigny-sur-Marne. This cemetery provides a poignant glimpse into the past. It is a place of remembrance for the town.
The Cimetière Ancien de Thorigny-sur-Marne is located at 25 bis rue des Fontaines. It stands as a testament to the lives and stories of those who shaped Thorigny-sur-Marne. Stepping through its gates is like stepping back in time.
Thorigny-sur-Marne itself has a rich history. It once served as a border between France and Champagne. The Marne river acted as a dividing line. Thorigny found itself straddling both realms.
The town was also a key stop on a north-south road. This road led to the Marne river. Travelers crossed by way of a ford or boat. A bridge was built in the 12th century.
This location fostered trade and commerce. Jewish merchants settled near the Marne. They were allowed to stay in France but not Champagne. This area became known as “the end of the bridge”. Today, it is the “Marne district”.
While trade flourished near the bridge agriculture was also important. Residents of the town cultivated vineyards. These vineyards suffered from phylloxera. To honor this past 119 vines were planted in 1989. The association “Le Vignoble du coteau de Thorigny” was formed. It keeps this tradition alive.
In 1846, the Chemin de Fer de l’Est decided to build a train station in Thorigny. This station was on the Paris-Strasbourg line. Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte inaugurated the line on August 19 1849. A new station replaced the original in 1962.
The seigneury of Thorigny dates back to the 11th century. The first bridge over the Marne was built in the 12th century. Albéric lord of Montjay constructed it.
François d’Angennes a favorite of Queen Catherine de Médicis became the baron of Montjay. His son sold the lands of Montjay and Thorigny. Bernard Potier seigneur of Blérancourt bought them in 1623.
The dynasty of the lords of Thorigny ended with Louis Joachim Paris Potier. He was the Duke of Gesvres. He married the last descendant of the constable Du Guesclin. He was arrested in Thorigny on October 20 1793. He was condemned to death in Paris for conspiracy. He was guillotined on July 7 1794.
The church in Thorigny is dedicated to Saint-Martin. It was rebuilt in 1820. Only the bell tower is older.
The Cimetière Ancien de Thorigny-sur-Marne is more than just a burial ground. It is a repository of memories. It links us to the individuals who lived and shaped this community.
The cemetery’s opening hours vary. From October 1 to March 31 it is open from 8 am to 5:30 pm. From April 1 to September 30 it is open from 8 am to 7 pm.
Take a moment to appreciate the peace and history. Remember those who rest here at the Cimetière Ancien de Thorigny-sur-Marne. Their stories live on.