The Gattemare pond has always been of particular interest due to the many resources it could provide for neighbouring human communities.

Owned jointly by the lords of Gatteville and Gouberville under the Ancien Régime, it was often at the centre of disputes over usage rights.

With the pre-revolutionary climate in full swing, such a dispute arose in 1781. This particularly long and contentious dispute saw the inhabitants of Gatteville, Gouberville and Tocqueville fighting the Hooke de Gatteville and the Count of Beaumont for over 60 years.

Pascal Oustrière, treasurer of Gatteville Héritages, told us about this astonishing slice of local life, which was closely linked to French history at the time.

You can watch the entire lecture (in French) on Youtube, thanks to our partner Genea50, by following this link.