CONCLUSION

Map: The French Offensive of 1917-08-20

Map: The American Offensive of 1918-09-26

(See Panorama,pp. 106and107)

The clearing of Verdun was entirely and definitely effected in the autumn of 1918.

While the 4th French Army, under General Gouraud, attacked between the Moronvillers Hills and Argonne on September 26th, the American Army, under General Pershing, took the offensive between the Argonne and the Meuse.

Artillery preparation commenced at 2.30 a.m. and lasted three hours. At 5.30 a.m. the Americans attacked with great dash the redoubtable enemy positions on the left bank of the Meuse, capturing Malancourt, Béthincourt and Forges. Keeping up with the infantry, the artillery crossed the Forges stream during the morning. The woods, very strongly defended, were cleared of the enemy, and by noon the Americans had reached Gercourt, Cuisy, the southern part of Montfaucon and Cheppy.

In the afternoon a desperate battle was engaged on the positions covering the redoubtable ridge of Montfaucon, the most important enemy observation-post in the region of Verdun. The Americans wisely turned the ridge on the right, advancing as far as Septsarges. By evening Montfaucon was surrounded. The advance, now slower, continued on the 27th and 28th, despite German counter-attacks. To the west of Montfaucon, Ivoiry and Epinouville were captured, and thus the ridge fell. The Americans took 8,000 prisoners and 100 guns.

Map: The Franco-American Offensive of 1918-10-09

On the right bank of the Meuse, a French army corps and American troops, under General Pershing, joined in the struggle, capturing Brabant, Haumont, Haumont Wood and Caures Wood, while the famous line from which, in February, 1916, the Crown Prince’s army had attacked Verdun, was soon reached and passed. By the end of October more than 20,000 prisoners, 150 guns, nearly 1,000 trench-mortars and several thousand machine-guns, had been captured, while unconquered Verdun was definitely lost to the Germans. Their retreat was now destined to continue uninterruptedly until the Armistice.

Renault Tanks and American Troops on the old French Lines at Regnéville.

Renault Tanks and American Troops on the old French Lines at Regnéville.

The German Advanceand the ground reconquered (Sectioned zones) by theFrench and American armies

The German Advanceand the ground reconquered (Sectioned zones) by theFrench and American armies

[The left-hand side of the two-page map above]

[The left-hand side of the two-page map above]

[The right-hand side of the two-page map above]

[The right-hand side of the two-page map above]

The Battle of Verdun was not merely one of the hardest of the War’s many battles, it was also one of the most serious checks received by the Germans. The enemy High Command had foreseen neither its amplitude nor its long duration. Whereas, “according to plan,” Verdun—“Heart of France”—was speedily to be overpowered by a carefully prepared mass attack, the Germans found themselves involved in a formidable struggle, without being able either to obtain a decisive advantage or keep the relatively small advantages obtained at the beginning of the battle.

The battle did not develop “according to plan,” its successive phases being determined by circumstances.

The huge numbers of troops which the Germans were compelled to engage brings out very clearly the immensity of their effort and the different phases of the struggle.

The first and shortest phase (February 21st–March 1st) was that of thesurprise attackby a large concentration of specially trained troops.

To the six German divisions which had been holding the Verdun sector since the Battle of the Marne, were added nine full divisions, rested and trained for attack.

Of these fifteen divisions ten took part in the surprise attack, their losses being immediately made good by reserves stationed in the rear of each army corps. At the end of February, in consequence of the French withdrawal in Woevre, two further divisions strengthened enemy action in that region.

The second phase (March 2nd–April 15th) marked thegeneral attackon both banks of the Meuse, in place of the surprise attack which had failed.

During this period nine and a half fresh German divisions were engaged, of which four came from the Eastern front.

At the same time two and a half German divisions were withdrawn and rested in quiet sectors, while four others were sent to the rear to reform, two of them being, however, again engaged after twenty days’ rest.

The third phase (April 15th–July 1st) was that ofattrition. After the failure of their general attack and to avoid avowal of their defeat, the Germans persisted in their attacks on Verdun.

Twelve fresh divisions were engaged, in addition to three others which had been sent to the rear to reform. On the other hand, fourteen divisions were withdrawn and sent to the rear, to Russia, or other sectors on the French front.

The fourth phase (July 1st, 1916, to 1917) was that of theretreat and stabilisation. The Germans were exhausted and compelled to use their reserves for the Russian front and especially in the Somme. Their activities on the Verdun front were limited to making good their losses. However, they were finally obliged to weaken this front to a point that they were unable to reply to the French attacks.

From August 21st to October 1st, the Germans brought up only one division and withdrew four. From October 1st to 24th, three divisions relieved nearly five. After October 24th the strength of the enemy forces varied only slightly, the French offensives preventing any further weakening of the front. The attrition caused by the French attacks of October 24th and December 15th gave rise only to rapid replacements of about equal importance.

In brief, from February 21st, 1916, to February 1st, 1917, the Germans engaged fifty-six and a half divisions (or 567 battalions), of which six divisions appeared successively on both banks of the Meuse, eight others being also engaged twice and six three times. In reality, in the course of eleven months, eighty-two and a half German divisions took part in the attacks on Verdun, which they had expected to crush in a few days with ten to twelve divisions. The contrast between this formidable effort and the meagre results obtained is striking, and is a splendid testimony to the courage and tenacity of the defenders. The Battle of Verdun in 1916 was not merely a severe local setback for the Germans; by using up their best troops it had also very important strategical consequences. Their successes were few, temporary, and dearly bought. Advancing painfully, each step forward was marked by a mountain of corpses. Up to the end of the War, even after the Battles of the Somme and Aisne in 1910 and 1917, and after the Battle of Champagne in 1918, Verdun remained a hideous spectre for the German people, while their soldiers surnamed it “The Slaughter-House of Germany.”

Douaumont Fort and its Approaches.(Photographed from aeroplane in May, 1916.)

Douaumont Fort and its Approaches.

(Photographed from aeroplane in May, 1916.)

As the French President, M. Poincaré, declared, on handing to the Mayor of Verdun the decorations conferred on that city by the Allied nations, it wasbefore the walls of Verdun that “the supreme hope of Imperial Germany was crushed.” It was at Verdun that Germany sought the “kolossal” victory which was to enslave the world, and it was there that France quietly but firmly replied “No road.” For centuries to come the name of Verdun will continue to ring in the ears of humanity like a shout of victory and a cry of deliverance.

Decorations awarded to the City of Verdun

It was in a casemate of the Citadel, transformed into asalle de fêtes, that, on September 13th, 1916, Président Poincaré handed the undermentioned decorations, conferred on the city by the Chiefs of State of the Allied countries, to the Municipal Authorities of Verdun: St. George’s Cross of Russia (white enamel); the British Military Cross (silver); the medal for military valour of Italy (gold); the Cross of Leopold I. of Belgium (gold); the medal “Ohilitch” of Montenegro (gold); the “Croix de la Légion d’Honneur” and the “Croix de Guerre” of France. Since then the French Government has conferred a Sword of Honour on the city. Generals Joffre, Pétain and Nivelle, the Military Governor (General Dubois), the French War Minister and representatives of the Allied Nations were present at this moving ceremony, which consecrated the heroic resistance of the army of Verdun and the German defeat.

[The City of Verdun]

[The City of Verdun]

[The left-hand side of the map of the city]

[The left-hand side of the map of the city]

[The right-hand side of the map of the city]

[The right-hand side of the map of the city]

Verdun: the city centre

Motorists coming either from St. Menehould, or Bar-le-Duc, via the“Sacred Way,”enter Verdun by the Porte-de-France, which has been chosen as the starting-point of the following descriptive itinerary for visiting the town. Follow thestreets shown on the outline map,in the direction of thearrows,consulting at the same time thetextandphotographsonpp.32–56.

See also thetwo-coloured planabove.

From thePorte-de-France, whose entrance arcade on the bridge dates from Louis XIV.,take the Rue St. Maur, leading to the Place du Gouvernement.

THE PLACE D’ARMES

THE PLACE D’ARMES

This square owes its name to the building called “Le Gouvernement,” or “Ancien Logis du Roi.” Residence of the War Minister, M. Louvois, in 1687, and to-day a barracks for the gendarmes. It was damaged by the bombardment.

From the Place du Gouvernement goviathe Rue Chevert to the Place d’Armes.

ThePlace d’Armes, badly damaged by bombardment, occupies the site of a tower (Tour le Princier) of the old rampart.

Go down the Rue St. Pierre.

RUE ST. PIERRE IN 1916.In backgroundRUE CHAUSSÉE.On the right: RUE MAZEL.

RUE ST. PIERRE IN 1916.

Turning to the left into the Rue St. Paul, the tourist passes in front ofthe College.

FAÇADE OF COLLEGE CHURCH, RUE ST. PAUL, MAY, 1919.

FAÇADE OF COLLEGE CHURCH, RUE ST. PAUL, MAY, 1919.

The present building was erected in 1890 on the site of the old college, founded in 1570 by Bishop Nicolas Psaume in the grounds of the ancient Hôpital de St. Nicolas-de-Gravière. Its church, a fine Ionic structure, was built in 1730 by the Jesuits. The college was one of the first buildings to be damaged by the bombardment, being struck in 1915, prior to the great German offensive against Verdun.

INTERIOR OF COLLEGE CHURCH.Photographed in May, 1919.

INTERIOR OF COLLEGE CHURCH.

Photographed in May, 1919.

Continue along Rue St. Paul as far as thePalais de Justiceand theSub-Préfecture(photo,p. 34).

These two buildings are the remains of the second Abbey of the Premonstrants of St. Paul, built inside the town after 1552. The first, situated without the walls, was destroyed by order of the Military Authorities, who feared a siege by Charles Quint.

In the SOUS-PRÉFECTUREvestiges of the ancient monastery are more numerous and apparent. TheSalle des Archives, with its slender columns and great Renaissance bays, was the monks’ refectory. TheCabinet du Sous-Préfet, with its austere vaulting, has retained its archaic appearance. In theLoge du Concierge(caretaker’s lodge) there still exists one of the original mantelpieces, with carving representing Abraham sacrificing Isaac. The marble-pavedvestibuleand finestaircaseare also 16th century.

The interior arrangement of the Palais de Justice buildings, whose façade is ornamented with a finely carved semicircularpediment, has been changed. Of the old convent there now only remains the Salle des Pas-Perdus, formerly the cloister.

TheHôtel de la Cloche d’Or, near by, has been installed in the ancient “Procure” of the same monastery (St. Paul’s).

THE PALAIS DE JUSTICE

THE PALAIS DE JUSTICE

The books and woodwork of the monastery have been removed to the Municipal Library.

Return by the Rue St. Paul to the Rue Chaussée, into which turn to the left; at the end is theChaussée Gate(hist. mon.), built about 1380 (seepp. 35and58).

Its architecture recalls that of the Bastille. Half of the left tower on the river was rebuilt in 1690, exactly on the same lines and with the stones of the old tower; the semicircular arcade and the pediment facing the bridge are of the same date.

The pediment between the two towers was struck by shell splinters, otherwise the bombardments did not damage the gate.

THE BANKS OF THE MEUSE AND THE CATHEDRAL BEFORE THE WAR.(Compare with photos onpp. 35and37.)

THE BANKS OF THE MEUSE AND THE CATHEDRAL BEFORE THE WAR.

(Compare with photos onpp. 35and37.)

THE CHAUSSÉE GATE (before the War)

THE CHAUSSÉE GATE (before the War)

Cross the Chaussée Bridge over the Meuse, then take on the right the Boulevard de la République, which passes in front of the Cercle Militaire (Military Club).

THE BANKS OF THE MEUSE, THE CATHEDRAL AND ST. CROIX BRIDGE.Photographed from the Military Club in May, 1919.

THE BANKS OF THE MEUSE, THE CATHEDRAL AND ST. CROIX BRIDGE.

Photographed from the Military Club in May, 1919.

Take on the left, the Rue du Puty and the Rue des Tanneries, then the Minimes Bridge (also on the left), at the end of which isSt. Saviour’s Church.

ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH.

ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH.

The church is modern, having replaced the old Église des Minimes in 1830. It contains, however, some interesting stained-glass windows, while at the entrance is the tomb of the founder of the old church, Bishop Bousnard, deceased in 1584.

THE INTERIOR OF ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH.

THE INTERIOR OF ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH.

Return by the Rue des Tanneries to the Rue du Puty, turn to the left, reaching thePlace Cheverton the right bank of the Meuse (see photo,p. 37).

There is a fine view of the upper town, bishop’s palace and cathedral from this square. The latter was begun in 1552, after the Church of St. Croix had been pulled down. A statue ofGeneral Chevert, by the sculptor of the pediment of the Madeleine in Paris (Lemaire), has been erected on the site of this church. In December, 1916, this statue was removed to the underground vaults of the Citadelle.

CHEVERT SQUARE AND STATUE OF GENERAL CHEVERT.(Born at Verdun in 1695, General Chevert captured Prague in 1741. After a heroic defence, he capitulated in 1743, with the honours of War.)

CHEVERT SQUARE AND STATUE OF GENERAL CHEVERT.

(Born at Verdun in 1695, General Chevert captured Prague in 1741. After a heroic defence, he capitulated in 1743, with the honours of War.)

THE MEUSE (SEEN FROM CHEVERT SQUARE, 1916).

THE MEUSE (SEEN FROM CHEVERT SQUARE, 1916).

On the other side of Chevert Square is the Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, which ends on the right at St. Croix Bridge. Follow it on the left as far as theHôtel-de-Ville(see Itinerary,p. 31).

FAÇADE OF THE HÔTEL-DE-VILLE OVERLOOKING THE GARDENS. (May 1919)

FAÇADE OF THE HÔTEL-DE-VILLE OVERLOOKING THE GARDENS. (May 1919)

As one of the lofty windows bears the date 1623, the popular belief that the building was erected by the famous Governor Marillac is unfounded. It is possible, however, that tradition, according to which Marillac sheltered Marie de Médicis there, after her flight from Paris, is founded on fact.

It is a fine structure in the Medicis style. The façade which overlooks the garden resembles that of the Luxembourg in Paris in some of its lines.

At the side of the Hôtel-de-Ville, at No. 19, is the house of M. Clément.

MAIN ENTRANCE (REBUILT) TO THE ABBEY OF ST. VANNE,IN THE COURT OF NO. 19 RUE DE L’HÔTEL-DE-VILLE

MAIN ENTRANCE (REBUILT) TO THE ABBEY OF ST. VANNE,IN THE COURT OF NO. 19 RUE DE L’HÔTEL-DE-VILLE

A learned amateur, Monsieur Clément, who was killed during the bombardments of 1916, had collected a considerable number of fragments of the Abbey of St. Vanne and rebuilt the principal doorway of the latter (seep. 52) in the courtyard of his house. The famous door of the Capitulary Room, describedand drawn by Viollet-le-Duc, was of curious 13th-century design. The lintel of the tympanum was ornamented with foliage, which is an interesting peculiarity, as the sculptural decoration of the tympanums of doors was very rare at that time in civil architecture.

RUINS IN THE RUE MAZEL AND RUE DU ST. ESPRIT.

RUINS IN THE RUE MAZEL AND RUE DU ST. ESPRIT.

Return to the Place Chevert, cross the St. Croix Bridge, and go to the Place d’Armesviathe Place and Rue Mazel, whose houses are in ruins.

THE PRINCERIE IN 1916, RUE DE LA BELLE-VIERGE, NOS. 16 AND 18 (seep.40).

THE PRINCERIE IN 1916, RUE DE LA BELLE-VIERGE, NOS. 16 AND 18 (seep.40).

Turn to the left into the Rue St. Pierre. In the Place d’Armes take the Rue de la Belle-Vierge as far as theHôtel de la Princerie, former residence of the “primicerius,” first archdeacon of the Cathedral.

Rebuilt in 1525, it has been divided in recent times into two houses, Nos. 16 and 18. While the façade of No. 18 was modern, that of No. 16, with its window-gratings, retained its ancient aspect. The courtyard was ornamented on two of its sides with two-storied Renaissance galleries (hist. mon.). Although of 16th-century construction, the decoration of this cloister was inspired by the Middle Age or Transition Period (note the crocketted capitals of the pillars and the bases of the latter).

THE PRINCERIE CLOISTER (hist. mon.) BEFORE THE WAR.

THE PRINCERIE CLOISTER (hist. mon.) BEFORE THE WAR.

The house was destroyed by the bombardments, and the cloister is almost entirely in ruins.

THE PRINCERIE CLOISTER IN 1916.

THE PRINCERIE CLOISTER IN 1916.

The street took its name from a statue of the Virgin on the monumental entrance-gate of the deanery.

AN OBSERVATION-POST IN MAGDELEINE SQUARE (1916).

AN OBSERVATION-POST IN MAGDELEINE SQUARE (1916).

Take the Rue de la Magdeleine on the left, beyond the deanery, as far as thePlace de la Magdeleine.

At No. 2 of this square is an early 16th-century house (sometimes called the “Maison de Jules II.”), with a carved triangular pediment supported by two pillars. Built after the decease of Pope Julius II., it was probably erected on the site of the house where he lived while still Cardinal Julian de la Rovère.

At No. 19 of the square, cross the house in ruins to a kind of garden-terrace at the back, built on the site of the old ramparts, vestiges of which are still visible. Fine view of the ruins in the Rues Mazel, Châtel and St. Esprit.

Take the Rues Châtel and Belle-Vierge to theCathedral(see Itinerary,p. 31).

RUINS IN THE RUE CHÂTEL, SEEN FROM THE CATHEDRAL (1916).

RUINS IN THE RUE CHÂTEL, SEEN FROM THE CATHEDRAL (1916).

The Cathedral of Verdun, like that of Angers, was one of the first French churches to be dedicated to the Virgin. In the 7th or 8th centuries its patronal festival was The Nativity, but this was changed to The Assumption at the beginning of the 19th century.

It is an ancient edifice, but has often been restored and altered. The original 5th-century church, which it replaced, was built on the ruins of a Romancastrum, like those of Rheims, Metz and Trèves.

The Cathedral was consecrated in 1147 by Pope Eugenius III., assisted by eighteen cardinals and St. Bernard. The plans were made by the Rhenish architect Garin, and, contrarily to French practice, included two transepts and two apses. With its four similar spires, two on each choir, it looked, according to a popular saying, like a “bahut” (chest of drawers on legs), turned upside down.

The fire of 1755 caused important alterations to be made which, without suppressing the main lines of the Cathedral, disfigured the interior. These alterations explain the lack of harmony in the edifice.

The four Roman towers with spires disappeared after 1755. Only the two western towers were replaced by the present large ones.

The Cathedral did not greatly suffer from the bombardment of 1916, during the German offensive, but that of April–May, 1917, damaged it very seriously. The vaults were either pierced or brought down, and the roof destroyed. Near the apsis a big shell tore open the ground, bringing to light an unknown subterranean passage or crypt.

VERDUN SEEN FROM ONE OF THE CATHEDRAL TOWERS.In the foreground: Roof of nave, east transept, and great choir of Cathedral.In the middle-ground: The Meuse; on the left, Chaussée Gate; in the middle, Military Club.In the background: Line of trees marking the ramparts; behind, Belleville Village (on the left) and the Pavé Faubourg.On the horizon: Belleville Hills.

VERDUN SEEN FROM ONE OF THE CATHEDRAL TOWERS.

In the foreground: Roof of nave, east transept, and great choir of Cathedral.

In the middle-ground: The Meuse; on the left, Chaussée Gate; in the middle, Military Club.

In the background: Line of trees marking the ramparts; behind, Belleville Village (on the left) and the Pavé Faubourg.

On the horizon: Belleville Hills.

The tourist, arriving at the Place de la Cathédrale, viathe Rue de la Belle-Vierge (see Itinerary,p. 31), finds himself in front of the North Façade (photo below).

THE CATHEDRAL.In the middle: The towers around the old choir.On the left: The North Front and Main Doorway.On the right: Entrance to Margueritte College, leadingto the Bishop’s Palace and the Cloister (seepp. 49–51).

THE CATHEDRAL.

In the middle: The towers around the old choir.

On the left: The North Front and Main Doorway.

On the right: Entrance to Margueritte College, leadingto the Bishop’s Palace and the Cloister (seepp. 49–51).

In the middleis the entrance portal;on the right, the Western Transept and the Towers enclosing the remarkable, square-shaped old Choir;on the left, the Eastern Transept and polygonal apsis of the Great Choir (photo below).

In front of the Towers, on the right of this photograph, is theentrance to Margueritte College,giving access to theBishop’s Palaceand theCloister (seepp. 49–51).

(North Front)

The Gable and Buttresses of the portal are 13th century. Its secular ornamentation replaced, in the 18th century, Gothic statues, which were destroyed as uncouth.

The portal is placed between two chapels; that on the right (16th century) is called “The Chaplet,” on account of the chaplets carved on the buttresses.

The present bells weigh four and six tons respectively and date from 1756. They were so cast as to have the same proportions and tones as those of the St. Germain-des-Prés Church in Paris.

The basement is the remains of a Roman apse. The upper portion dates from the end of the 14th century.

APSIS OF THE GREAT CHOIR, SEEN FROM THE BANKS OF THE MEUSE (seep. 34).

APSIS OF THE GREAT CHOIR, SEEN FROM THE BANKS OF THE MEUSE (seep. 34).

The bas-reliefs are Roman carvings, re-utilised in the Gothic buttresses.From right to leftthey representAdam and Eve; theAnnunciation(the Virgin and Angel are separated by a tree, whose shape recalls the Tree of Life on the Chaldean cylinders reproduced on the cloth-stuffs exported from Byzantium);Cain and Abel (through an error in perspective, frequently to be found in Egyptian art, the bust and trunk of the two patriarchs are shown in profile, whilst the feet are facing frontwards); an unknown bishop.

THE GREAT NAVEIn the background: The old choir and organ-loft (the organs had been removed).In the foreground: The marble balustrade of the Great Choir protected by sandbags

THE GREAT NAVE

In the background: The old choir and organ-loft (the organs had been removed).

In the foreground: The marble balustrade of the Great Choir protected by sandbags

The Great Nave was very seriously damaged by the bombardments. Several bays of the vaulting fell in, leaving bare the timber-work of the roof in ruins.

On entering the Cathedral by the Central Portal in the North Front (seep. 43)the old Choir(photos,p. 44) is on the right, and theGreat Choir with ciborium(p. 45) on the left.

THE GREAT NAVE BEFORE THE WARIn the background: The Old Choir and the Great Organ.In the foreground: The balustrade of the Great Choir

THE GREAT NAVE BEFORE THE WAR

In the background: The Old Choir and the Great Organ.

In the foreground: The balustrade of the Great Choir

THE GREAT NAVE SEEN FROM THE OLD CHOIRIn the background: The Great Choir and the Ciborium.The ruined vaults have bared the damaged framework of the roof

THE GREAT NAVE SEEN FROM THE OLD CHOIR

In the background: The Great Choir and the Ciborium.The ruined vaults have bared the damaged framework of the roof

The old square choir is intersected by the great organ, as at Albi.

The decoration of the Great Choir dates from 1760. The marble balustrade (seep. 44) is a copy of that in the Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, and replaced the old lateral walls and rood-loft. The gilded canopy, which is a transformation of the antique ciborium of the Gallo-Roman churches, is supported by four twisted columns of grey marble. It is a copy of that of St. Peter’s at Rome. Behind it are eighty-six stalls in two superposed rows, and carved panelling (seep. 46).

THE CIBORIUM(The Ciborium was the canopy supported by columns whichcovered the altars in the early Christian basilicas.)

THE CIBORIUM

(The Ciborium was the canopy supported by columns whichcovered the altars in the early Christian basilicas.)

THE STALLS AND WOODWORK OF THE GREAT CHOIR

THE STALLS AND WOODWORK OF THE GREAT CHOIR

Stalls and Woodwork of the Great Choir.—Classed as an historical monument in 1905, this Rococo-style woodwork by Lacour of Toul is remarkable for its somewhat secular elegance and fine finish. During the bombardment of Verdun in 1916–1918 it was taken down and put in a place of safety.

THE SHRINE OF ST. SAINTINPhotographed with the woodwork of the Great Choir at the Exhibitionof the Evacuated Art Treasures held in Paris

THE SHRINE OF ST. SAINTIN

Photographed with the woodwork of the Great Choir at the Exhibitionof the Evacuated Art Treasures held in Paris

St. Saintin’s Shrine.—This 14th-century shrine contains the relics of the first bishop of Verdun, and is said to represent the ancient church of the Premonstrants of St. Paul.

The South Isle and Holy Sacrament Chapel

The numerous collateral chapels are 14th, 15th and 16th century. The most interesting is that of the Holy Sacrament. It was finished in 1402, and is Radial-Gothic in style.

In the neighbouring transept there was formerly a “puits” (well), which offended Louis XIV. when he visited the Cathedral in 1687. The Chapter had it filled up and covered with a stone, on which was carved the letter “P.”

The Chapel of the Virgin contains an interesting mutilated monument to Archdeacon Wassebourg, carved in the 16th century to perpetuate the true image of Our Lady of Verdun seated and crowned.

MONUMENT TO ARCHDEACON WASSEBOURG.CHAPEL OF THE VIRGIN

MONUMENT TO ARCHDEACON WASSEBOURG.CHAPEL OF THE VIRGIN

UPPER PORTION OF DOOR IN OLD ROMAN APSE,REMOVED TO THE VESTRY.

UPPER PORTION OF DOOR IN OLD ROMAN APSE,REMOVED TO THE VESTRY.

ROMAN CAPITAL OF THE GREAT CRYPTFILLED IN IN 1755, EXCEPT TWO BAYSDECORATED WITH PAINTINGS.

ROMAN CAPITAL OF THE GREAT CRYPTFILLED IN IN 1755, EXCEPT TWO BAYSDECORATED WITH PAINTINGS.

THE LAST JUDGMENT.PAINTING ON THE VAULT OF THE CRYPT.

THE LAST JUDGMENT.PAINTING ON THE VAULT OF THE CRYPT.

Enter the courtyard of the Bishop’s Palace by the door of the Margueritte College (seep. 43). The Seminary seen in the background of the photo has been completely destroyed since 1916. The door with steps in front led formerly to a staircase descending to the Cloister. In May, 1919, this staircase was easily accessible, in spite of the débris all around.

COURTYARD OF THE BISHOP’S PALACE AND THE CATHEDRAL IN 1916

COURTYARD OF THE BISHOP’S PALACE AND THE CATHEDRAL IN 1916

This fine spacious building was erected in 1725–1755 from the plans ofRobert de Cotte. It has two terraces and a garden, with a view over the whole town. Under the First Empire it was a senatorial palace.

At the time of the separation of the Church from the State it was turned into amuseum. The latter contains a fine collection of medals and coins, also numerous fragments of the ancient Abbey of St. Vanne, which was inside the Citadel. These fragments include the remains of a Pagan altar, a Corinthian capital with Barbarian ornamentation, and an ivory comb with inscriptions, said to have been given by Emperor St. Henri to the Abbot of St. Vanne in 1024.

THE BISHOP’S PALACE. FAÇADE LOOKING ON THECOURTYARD AND ENTRANCE TO THE MUSEUM.

THE BISHOP’S PALACE. FAÇADE LOOKING ON THECOURTYARD AND ENTRANCE TO THE MUSEUM.

THE CLOISTEROn the left: Aisle of the Cathedral (seep. 47) and the Transeptwith ruined roof.In the background: The East Gallery of the Cloister

THE CLOISTER

On the left: Aisle of the Cathedral (seep. 47) and the Transeptwith ruined roof.

In the background: The East Gallery of the Cloister

The door of Margueritte College and the courtyard of the Bishop’s Palace lead to the Cloister (see photos,pp. 43and49).

Although Gothic in structure, parts of the carved decorative work announced the coming Renaissance (helmeted warriors and antique personages crowned with laurels).

Some of the keystones of the vaulting, representing bloated, bearded faces, are said to be caricatures of the canons of the Cathedral, made by the workmen who built the cloister, to revenge themselves for the Church’s stinginess.

THE WEST GALLERY IN WHICH THE STAIRCASELEADING TO THE CLOISTER OPENS OUT (1914)The arrangement of the blind windows against the walls is very rarely met with

THE WEST GALLERY IN WHICH THE STAIRCASELEADING TO THE CLOISTER OPENS OUT (1914)

The arrangement of the blind windows against the walls is very rarely met with

THE CLOISTER SEEN FROM ONE OF THE CATHEDRAL TOWERSIn the background: the East Gallery.On the right the Seminary and South Gallery in ruins.In the town is seen St. Saviour’s Church against the greenbackground of the fortifications

THE CLOISTER SEEN FROM ONE OF THE CATHEDRAL TOWERS

In the background: the East Gallery.

On the right the Seminary and South Gallery in ruins.

In the town is seen St. Saviour’s Church against the greenbackground of the fortifications

The heavy Seminary buildings, erected on two of the galleries, are 19th century. They were almost entirely destroyed by the bombardments.

THE SOUTH GALLERY OF THE CLOISTER BEFORE THE WARIts present state is shown in theprevious photograph

THE SOUTH GALLERY OF THE CLOISTER BEFORE THE WAR

Its present state is shown in theprevious photograph

On leaving the Cathedral, the tourist arrives almost immediately at the small Place Châtel, the highest point of the town. Take, the Rue Châtel to theChâtel Gate.

CHÂTEL GATE. BEHIND THE CATHEDRAL.

CHÂTEL GATE. BEHIND THE CATHEDRAL.

From the ancient “Fermeté” rampart, only this machicolated gate (formerly called “Champenoise”) is visible near the small “Place Châtel.”

On leaving the Châtel Gate, go down the Rue des Hauts Fins to the corner of theRue Montgaud: Blockhouse for four machine-guns to defend the town.

Cross the Esplanade de la Roche to theCitadelle.

From the Esplanade de la Roche, the arrangement of which dates from 1780–1783, there is a fine view of the Meuse valley and the prairies known asPré-l’Evêque.

The entrance to theCitadelleopens on the Esplanade de la Roche, while the Citadelle proper occupies the site of the ancientAbbeyandChurch of St. Vanne, erected in the Merovingian Period and 15th century on the hill where, in the days of Clovis, the Dragon with poisoned breath was said to live. According to the legend St. Vanne first tamed the dragon, then led it to the River Meuse, where it was drowned.

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