Chemins et chaussées : la gestion du réseau viaire rural brabançon par les communautés villageoises au XVIIIe siècle.

Details

Supervisors

Warland, Geneviève

Faculty

Faculté de philosophie, arts et lettres

Degree label

Master [120] en histoire, à finalité spécialisée: histoire et archives

Abstract

enBased on sources primarily from local authorities, as well as provincial and governmental bodies, this thesis analyses various aspects of the management of rural roads in Brabant during the 18th century. It outlines the legislative, institutional and practical details, considering the consequences of the development of greater roads (chaussées) during this period on the secondary rural network and, more generally, on villages. Furthermore, it nuances the assertion that these roads were always in poor condition, a fault traditionally attributed to these communities. The results show that the management of the secondary roads rested on a three-tier institutional control system (village courts, Chambers of Tonlieux, Brabant Fiscal Office) and on legislation known by local magistrates and mayors. It is also demonstrated that the inaction of local authorities is an exaggerated view and that maintenance activities were taking place and increased in the second half of the 18th century. In this regard, the great roads (chaussées) appear to have played a role, channelling traffic from the city into the countryside.