Halle de Beaumont-de-Lomagne, Medieval market hall in Beaumont-de-Lomagne, France.
The Halle de Beaumont-de-Lomagne is a square market structure measuring approximately 36 meters on each side, with its roof supported by 38 posts set on stone bases. The interior is sheltered by a substantial oak timber framework that spans the entire ceiling.
Planned when the bastide was founded in 1278, the hall was only built in the 14th century. Its roof was originally topped by a "donjon" that shrank over the centuries; on 27 March 1647 it collapsed, causing major damage. It was replaced by the bell turret still visible today, a marker of the town's control over the building. The hall has been classified as a monument historique since 18 June 1930.
The Saturday morning market has been held under this roof since the 14th century. The small wooden cupola on the roof, a bell tower since 1647, marked the town's control over the building. The 38 posts stand on stone bases of differing heights, cut to follow the slope of the square.
The hall stands on the paved square at the centre of Beaumont-de-Lomagne, with no walls, so you can walk through the aisles between the timber posts at any time. The Saturday morning market has been held here since the 14th century; come early in the morning for the fullest stalls. The ground slopes, and the 38 stone bases under the posts vary in height to compensate.
The square roof is crowned by a small wooden bell tower, or clocheton, that replaced a "donjon" which collapsed on 27 March 1647 and caused major damage. The bell tower marked the town's control over the building and still stands today.
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