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101192 Pictures << Previous Picture | Next Picture >> La Gran'mere du Chimquiere
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Unless otherwise stated, this image is the copyright of the submitter. Contact them for permission to reproduce it. |  | | Description | From her left. Note that the statue is now situated outside the church yard. She was moved in 1860. |
| Posted Comments: CONDROS
(2006-07-06) | Great homage to this ancient lady, it's a pity that she was moved from her original site, where exactly was this ? and why was she moved, was it to benefit the church, or to enact control over the belief of the Isalnders ??? | stone de croze
(2006-09-03) | La Gran’mère had always (until recent times at least) been highly venerated by the local worshippers. Throughout the centuries, we are told by Marie De Garis in ‘Folklore of Guernsey’, she has been an object of awe and reverence and looked up to as a holy stone, “ch’tait énne pierre saine.” As recently as twenty years ago, and sometimes these days but not as regularly, the passer by can find flowers at her feet or coins placed on the head. She has often featured as an extra guest in wedding photos!
Mr. Tourtel the churchwarden ordered it to be destroyed in 1860 because he considered that the regard paid to the statue was ‘tantamount to idolatry’. It was broken in two but the parishioners protested so vigorously that she was cemented back together and placed in her current position. Noticeably outside the church environs now. It was only 18 years later that she was joined by the Castel church statue-menhir. The St. Martins’ outcry may have also saved that one too, so well done those parishioners! | stone de croze
(2007-01-15) | I have found no records so far as to her original whereabouts in the churchyard. She was said to have a stone at her feet (like a bullaun I guess.) I have spent an afternoon rummaging and can't find it however. |
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