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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Angoulême Old Well is a Renaissance-style edicle located in the town of Angoulême, New Aquitaine. This monument, though modest in size, embodies the typical architecture of the French Renaissance, a period marked by artistic and cultural renewal after the Middle Ages. Its classification as a Historic Monument in 1923 underscores its heritage importance, particularly for its design and its state of conservation.

In Angoulême, as in many French cities, public wells played a central role in everyday life in the 16th century. They served as a point of water supply for the inhabitants, while being places of sociability. The Renaissance saw the emergence of such decorative edicles, often integrated into the urban space to embellish the city while meeting practical needs. Their presence also reflected the evolution of construction techniques and a desire to modernize infrastructure.

The Old Well is located at 10 rue Vauban, an address that corresponds to a historical area of Angoulême. Although details of its exact use or possible sponsors are not specified in available sources, its official ranking in 1923 attests to its heritage value. This type of monument, often neglected in favour of larger buildings, offers a valuable testimony to the urban developments and hygiene concerns of the period.

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