Creation of the Petite Forge 1740-1773 (≈ 1757)
Founded by the Marquis de Bigny for mazeage.
1836-1841
Upgrading in wiretapping
Upgrading in wiretapping 1836-1841 (≈ 1839)
Installation of an English forge by d-Osmond.
21 mars 1991
Historic Monument Protection
Historic Monument Protection 21 mars 1991 (≈ 1991)
Registration of buildings and canal.
début XXe siècle
End of wiretapping
End of wiretapping début XXe siècle (≈ 2004)
Disappearance of main industrial activity.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Former employee housing, including contiguous discounts; facades and roofs of the old pointer, the old master house, the annex building for service use and the former worker housing; former bypass channel (cad. A 303, 306, 1243): registration by order of 21 March 1991
Key figures
Marquis de Bigny - Founder
Created the Petite Forge between 1740 and 1773.
Marquis d'Osmond - Modernizer
Installed the wiretapping (1836-1841).
Gallicher - Metallurgical engineer
Advice from Osmond for technical innovations.
Origin and history
The Petite Forge de Vallenay was created between 1740 and 1773 by the Marquis de Bigny, near the Grande Forge attested since 1661. It was originally used for mazeage, a technique of refining the cast iron of Nivernais origin, adopted in Berry in the 18th century. This process prepared the metal before its final treatment at the Grande Forge, illustrating a technical division of tasks in the local metallurgy.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the Marquis d'Osmond, heir to the forges, modernized the site between 1836 and 1841 under the advice of engineer Gallicher. He installed an English forge and a wire-trailer, transforming a secondary activity into a main production. The buildings were adapted or built (collective housing, master house, services), reflecting the social and technical innovations of the industrial era. The mill ceased its activity at the beginning of the 20th century.
The remains protected since 1991 (housing, pointery, mansion, canal) bear witness to this story. The site illustrates the evolution of metallurgical practices and workers' housing, as well as the reconversion of traditional forges in the face of technical progress. The location in Vallenay, in the Cher, highlights its anchoring in the industrial heritage of Berry.
