Join me today for a very interesting look at some fascinating bits of history, as Diana Reid Haig, author of Walks Through Napoleon and Josephine’s Paris, shares some awesome photos to go along with that history!
'In the entrance to the Carmes Prison: Note the red climbing rose on the bannister (which always makes me think of Josephine/Rose). The saying in Latin carved by the steps means, "here they fell," and refers to the killing of many priests and prisoners on this spot during the September massacres of the French Revolution.
Deep inside the underground prison, they have vaults showing the bones and skulls of those murdered at the prison during the massacres.
A beautiful English woman named Grace Elliot, who was imprisoned at the same time as Josephine, said that she and Josephine (who became friends) could never forget that they were in the prison where these massacres had so recently taken place. Grace Elliot said that the floor and chairs were still stained with the blood of the priests that had been murdered.
Isn't it incredible to think of Josephine living there.... and going on to marry Bonaparte and
become an Empress!
The mirrors in the Trianon boudoir were designed to sink into the floor by day, so the Queen could enjoy the view of her garden from windows. By night the mirrors were raised using a system of pulleys, so that the windows were completely covered and no one could look in. While I was there, they lowered and raised them for me. I was in heaven!'
This partial article was originally posted in its entirety at EBJ-History Salon. You can read the complete post (which includes a fantastic photo of Marie Antoinette's fashion book!)- go HERE.
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