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Origin and history

The Grosse bell of Bordeaux, also known as Porte Saint-Éloi or Porte Saint-James, is a rare vestige of the medieval ramparts of the city, built in the 15th century on the foundations of a 13th century gate. Integrated into the rampart and backed by the church of Saint-Éloi, it marked the path of pilgrims to Compostelle, hence the name of St. James Street, derived from the gascon Sant Jacme ("Saint Jacques"). Originally, there were six round towers, only two of which remain today, linked by a central building and surmounted by a golden leopard, symbol of the British Guyenne's weapons.

Turned into a communal belfry as early as the 15th century, the Grosse bell sheltered the bell tower of the ban, used to rhythmize urban life: the signal of harvests, warning of fires, or ringing of holidays. The Bordeaux magistrates made it a civic emblem, to the point that the kings of France, like Henry II, had it removed in 1548 to punish the revolt of the Pitauds (local jacquerie). Made in 1561 under popular pressure, it became a symbol of resistance and still appears on the coat of arms of Bordeaux. The current bell, cast in 1775 by Turmeau, weighs 7.8 tons and has been classified since 1991.

The towers, 40 metres high, were redesigned after the fire of 1755, with the addition of a crenelage and a pepper-shaped campanile. The wrought iron grid (18th century) carries the weapons of the city, while 15th century gargoyles and 1592 Marmorean inscriptions remain. The clock, installed in 1759 according to the plans of astronomer Paul Larroque, replaces a mechanism of 1567. The bell, once ringed for major events (Liberation of 1944, visit of General de Gaulle in 1961), resonates today during national commemorations and the first Sunday of each month.

Ranked a historic monument in 1886, the Big Bell embodies the Bordeaux identity. His engraved inscription summarizes his duties: "I call to arms / I announce the days / I give the hours / I hunt the storm / I ring the holidays / I shout at the fire. Restored in 2016, it remains a popular place of visit, opened in summer, and a privileged witness to the medieval and modern history of Bordeaux.

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