Tour audio 11 - The herb and botanical garden

It was re-created in 2001 by a specialized association in landscape archaeology “Monviette Nature”.

In French, the garden is called “The Simple Garden” and consists of medicinal plants. It is divided into six sections.

On your left, next to the chapel wall, you can see …

Plants to treat fevers: A note word fever is plural. In the middle ages, men and women were treated differently because the fever was thought to have a different origin for either sex.

Plants used in war: to treat serious wartime injuries for soldiers. Comfrey was used to heal deep wounds for instance.

On your right, the moat side:

Plants for minor ailments: it was used to treat coughs, stomach aches, headaches, colds etc.

Women’s plants: they were used to treat women’s ailments, in particular those in connection with pregnancy and abortion. Can’t you smell the bee balm? It was used to reduce vomiting during pregnancy, and the comfrey soothed and healed cracked breast nipples.

At the bottom:

Animal plants : it was used to treat farm animals, tansy to treat worms, hellebore to “draw out the pain.”

Plants for hygiene: to protect dwellings from vermin, to perfume the body.

For example, the box tree leaves and stems to dye hair in yellow. This colour was fashionable in the 15th century. 

From this garden there is a magnificent view of the outer walls.