The history of Moulins stretches from its early recorded history as a village to the battles of the First World War and the reconstruction that followed. In between are a range of historical themes: mill work, winegrowing and the authorisation of fortification walls under Louis VII. The Creuttes de Moulins and their bat colony add a natural-history dimension. Moulins can therefore be understood through its economic, military and natural history alike.
Early Records and Mill Work
Moulins is documented as a village from the 10th century; from 1136, the place is recorded under the names Villa Molini and Molendinis. The village’s first mention and the two place names recorded in 1136 are therefore separate historical milestones. The history of the place thus reaches far back before the wars and reconstruction of the 20th century.
Mills and Winegrowing
Two mills represent different kinds of work in the past: Moulin Caillet was historically used for cutting wood, while Moulin Budet was used for grinding chicory. Their different functions give each mill its own place in the history of the village.
Winegrowing also contributed in part to Moulins’ prosperity. There were once several vendangeoirs, or grape-harvesting houses; no traces of them remain today. These houses add another aspect of the village’s historical economy to the uses of its mills.
Fortifications, War and Reconstruction
The medieval history of the village also has a connection to fortifications: Louis VII (1120–1180) authorised the construction of fortification walls in Moulins. Several centuries later, on 15 April 1917, a regiment crossed the bridges over the Aisne to occupy the Moulins–Paissy–Cuissy et Geny area. On 16 April, as part of the major Nivelle Offensive, it captured the Ailles sector. The two days form a sequence of military events: the crossing and occupation of the named area were followed by the capture of the Ailles sector.
By the end of the fighting in the First World War, Moulins had been completely destroyed; reconstruction took place from 1920 to 1930. The events of 1917 and the subsequent period of reconstruction are therefore two distinct chapters in the history of the village.
Creuttes de Moulins and Bats
The Creuttes de Moulins provide a refuge for numerous bat species. One of the largest colonies of greater horseshoe bats hibernates and breeds there. Access to the RNR – Les Creuttes de Moulins is not permitted; check the access regulations before your trip.
If you would like to place Moulins’ history in chronological context, its early records as a village and the names recorded in 1136 can be considered alongside the events of the First World War and reconstruction. Mills and winegrowing add the village’s historical economy to these chronological milestones.
Discover more destinations: Cilly, Maissemy, Vendières, Serches, Courmelles, Villers-Lès-Guise, Noyant-Et-Aconin, Fresnes.
For the broader travel overview: Aisne.
