Plan De Rouen Par Ch Hubert – 1843

Publishers: Impr. Mangeon
Price: £175
Publication Date: 1843
Edition: New Edition
Format: Original engraving
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 57.6cm x 40.2cm when opened

Condition:

A scarce and detailed map of Rouen. Backed on linen and dissected into eighteen sections. Includes the route of the newly opened Paris-Rouen railway. Folding marbled covers slightly rubbed. Minor wear to the fold intersections. In very good indeed condition overall.

Rouen In 1843: A Brief Description

Rouen in the 1840s was a bustling and significant city in Normandy, France, full of both industrial growth and architectural heritage. Here’s a detailed history:

Economic and Industrial Expansion

The 1840s marked a period of robust industrialisation for Rouen. The city had long held a reputation as a commercial hub, but during this decade, it firmly established itself as an industrial powerhouse. The Seine River remained crucial for trade, facilitating the transport of goods between Paris and the sea. Rouen’s cotton and textile industries flourished, driven by factories powered by steam engines. The port became increasingly active, filled with ships trading commodities like coal, textiles, and agricultural produce.

The arrival of the railway transformed Rouen’s connectivity and economic potential. The Paris-Rouen railway line was one of the earliest major railways in France and marked a significant advancement in transportation and industrialisation. Its construction began in the late 1830s and was driven by the need to improve connections between Paris and the thriving city of Rouen, a key hub for industry and trade. The line officially opened on May 9, 1843, and was celebrated as a marvel of engineering, featuring innovative structures like viaducts and tunnels. It played a transformative role in boosting economic activity and facilitating faster travel and goods movement between Paris and Normandy.

The project was developed by British engineer Joseph Locke in partnership with French engineer Paulin Talabot, and the railway’s success demonstrated the efficiency and potential of modern train travel, setting a precedent for further railway expansion across France.

Urban and Social Developments

The economic boom led to rapid urbanisation, with working-class neighbourhoods expanding around the factories. However, living conditions for many labourers were harsh, characterised by overcrowded housing, poor sanitation, and disease outbreaks. Social divisions between the wealthy industrialists and the struggling working class became more pronounced.

The city also witnessed infrastructural improvements, such as new bridges and roads to accommodate the growing population and transport needs. Notably, the Pont Corneille bridge over the Seine was constructed during this period to replace older, less efficient structures, improving access and boosting commerce.

Architectural and Cultural Heritage

Despite modernisation, Rouen retained its rich architectural heritage. The Gothic spires of Rouen Cathedral dominated the skyline, and the city’s medieval old town remained largely intact, with narrow, winding streets and half-timbered houses. The famous Gros-Horloge (Great Clock) continued to mark the passage of time for Rouen’s residents and visitors.

The arts also played a vibrant role in the cultural life of Rouen. While the city did not reach the cultural heights of Paris, it had a flourishing arts scene, with theatres, concerts, and exhibitions. Local artists were inspired by the picturesque scenery of the Seine and the city’s historic architecture.

Political Climate

The 1840s in France were marked by social and political unrest, culminating in the Revolution of 1848. In Rouen, tensions simmered as industrial workers and the lower classes grew frustrated with economic disparities and harsh working conditions. The revolutionary wave of 1848 saw protests and upheaval across France, and Rouen was no exception, as workers demanded better rights and political representation.

The economic changes and the social impact of these transformations defined Rouen in this decade, making it a city that exemplified both the promise and the challenges of industrial progress in 19th-century France.

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