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The Middle Ages
In
the words of local historian Auguste Mochot, “The Middle Ages is a dark
period, a time of war, desecration and looting. Is-sur-Tille, more than
anywhere else in Burgundy, can tell its sad story ; and we may wonder
why this small town wasn’t completely obliterated following the numerous
invasions which ravaged it.” Among
the names which made our distant forefathers tremble are those of Châteauvillain,
of the Bourbon bastard and his band of brigands, of the Berne-born Jacques
de Vatteville, who led the Swiss army to Burgundy. At the beginning of the
14th century, Is-sur-Tille was divided into several fiefdoms. The Duke of
Burgundy, the bishop of Langres and the abbot of St Bénigne in Dijon were
among the most important landowners. There was also the king of France
whose protection was sought by the townspeople in a courageous move in
1312. Philip-le-Bel
(Philip the Handsome) did pass up such a good opportunity to
challenge the Duke of Burgundy’s power and accepted the title readily
offered him by the townspeople. This period of relative independence from
the local powers came to an end about fifteen years later when, following
a series of long and expensive court cases, Eudes IV, Duke of Burgundy,
regained control of Is-sur-Tille.
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