Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Benjamin Franklin

A first church in Châtres, what was the name of the settlement in the early times, got replaced already in 1006. Later a priory was added. In 1265 a "Hotel-Dieu" existed here for the accommodation of travelers. During the Hundred Years War, the fortified town was besieged by King Edward III´s army. At that time the church, in which 800 refugees sought shelter, was burned leaving no survivors. The church got rebuilt, renovated, restorated and still serves the parish. Benjamin Franklin, politician, scientist, inventor, one of the "Founding Fathers of the United States", who lived as a diplomat in France 1776–1785, installed a lighting rod on this church in 1782.