The Constance Tower

Marie Durand, born on July 15, 1711, and died in 1776 in Bouchet-de-Pranles (Ardèche), is a Protestant figure. She is only 18 years old when she is arrested and imprisoned in the Constance Tower in Aigues-Mortes for the sole crime of her Protestant faith. Marie Durand's captivity will last 38 years. Confined with about twenty other women of all ages and from all walks of life, she will live in poverty, cold, and promiscuity. The word "REGISTER" (resist in Occitan) is attributed to Marie, engraved on the stone of a coping in the middle of the common room. To resist is what Marie Durand will do throughout her captivity, always refusing to abjure her faith, encouraging her companions, and writing numerous letters: letters of supplication or thanks to those who sent aid to the prisoners; letters addressed to Pastor Paul Rabaut and his niece, Anne. In January 1767, the Prince of Beauvau, governor of Languedoc, visits the Tower, he is outraged by the fate of the women still imprisoned and frees them. A minister of Louis XV tries to oppose this, Beauvau offers his resignation... Fourteen women are released, one of whom (Marie Robert) had been imprisoned for 41 years. Marie Durand will be released on April 14, 1768, and it will be necessary to wait until December 26, 1768, for the last two prisoners to be freed.

Le Barjonaute à la retraite...