Ancienne filature La Foudre, puis caserne Tallandier

English translation

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History

Originally there was a linen mill constructed around 1835 and operating thanks to a steam engine recovered from the tug La Foudre. In 1845, the Lebaudy, Peter and Cie company had the mill reconstructed on the plans of English engineer William Fairbairn, specialised in the construction of fire-resistant industrial buildings, in brick and with a metal structure without wooden parts. The enterprises Rowcliffe (Petit-Quevilly), Verdin Frères (masonry) and Henri Debergue (metal roof space) carried out the construction, completed in 1847. This giant factory of 150 metres in length comprises a main building called La Grande Fabrique, ancillary constructions spread over nearly three hectares of land, and is equipped with the most modern spinning machines. The factory was repurchased in 1859 by the industrial and Norman politician Pouyer-Quertier, who transformed it into a cotton mill employing nearly 700 people. After the establishment's bankruptcy in 1932, the whole was acquired by the State and became the Tallandier Barracks, disused since 1999. The machines have disappeared but La Grande Fabrique remains, with its cast-iron post and metal vault system in place, the Machine building (refurbished in 1893) and other 19th century constructions (warehouses, sheds, workshops, etc.). When built in 1847, La Foudre very likely constituted the largest textile unit constructed in France and probably the most modern in the years 1865. Its exceptional size and the boldness of its design impressed contemporaries and make it a flagship element of French industrial heritage.