Burgundy Excursion, May- June 1995

"Thirty-nine members and friends joined the Society's Summer excursion to Burgundy - an area of France with strong Kentish and British connections. Of archaeological interest to the diggers in the party was the site, not far from our base in Semur en Auxois, of the Gaulish chieftain Vercingetorix's last stand against Julius Caesar at Alesia. The six-week Roman siege took place two years after Caesar returned from Britain for the last time.

On our outward journey, we visited Sens, where Becket spent his years of exile before his return to Kent and martyrdom. The Cathedral Treasury contains, as one of its most prized possessions, one of Becket's robes. We found in the finely austere Abbey of Fontenay evidence of the great technological advance in iron production of the 13th century. This was the harnessing of hydraulic power in the amalgamation of carbon and iron to produce cast iron, which in the 15th century would result in the transformation of our Wealden iron industry.

It goes without saying that we visited the famous Burgundian towns of Vezelay, Beaune, and Dijon, enjoyed wine tasting, and were guided around several chateaus. We will all remember one final association between England and Burgundy - the latter's symbolic red roses, which John of Gaunt carried back with him to represent his House of Lancaster.

This year, for the first time, we used the services of Facet Travel Ltd. of Buxted, who provided us with an excellent tour manager, driver, and hotel. Next year, on the same dates in 1996, the Society, using Facet Travel, will visit the Dordogne, basing the party at Souillac and including visits to Rocamadour and Cahors (Lot Valley). An outward overnight stop will be made at Chartres, and the return overnight stop will be made at Fontainebleau. To reserve a place or for further details, send a S.A.E. to Joy Saynor, Hon. Excursion Secretary.