The Grandin family of Elbeuf: A glimpse into their manufacturing archives
In 1667, Colbert established a Royal Cloth Factory in Elbeuf, near Rouen in Normandy. Within this Factory, manufacturers enjoyed privileges but were required to follow strict regulations to produce high-quality woollen fabrics. Among these was the requirement to use finer wool, often imported from Spain, to produce high-quality fabrics destined for domestic and international markets. By the late 18th century, exports of Elbeuf’s fabrics were sent primarily to Spain, particularly Cadiz, where they were re-exported to Spanish colonies in the Americas. They also reached other European countries, such as Switzerland and Italy.
An engraving of 18th-century Cadiz by Balthazar Friedrich Leizelt.
Source: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b69492770?rk=21459;2
The Grandin family, established in Elbeuf in 1572 as woollen cloth makers, owned several factories in the area until the mid-19th century. One notable building, constructed by Pierre Grandin in the mid-18th century before his death in 1757, still stands at 85 rue de la République. The archives of their manufacturing businesses, preserved at the Archives Départementales de Seine-Maritime in Darnétal, near Rouen, provide a remarkably rich source of information. These records span over a century of the manufacture’s history (1722–1825) and include correspondence books, general ledgers, journals and expedition books, among other materials.
Site of the Archives Départementales de la Seine-Maritime in Darnétal.
Source: https://www.wivisites.com/monument_details?site=61e999bf-ef8f-49b8-8c09-5dded5b29124
During a research visit in late November 2024, I focused on their supply of raw wool and trading relations with Spain, using the general ledgers and correspondence books. If I choose to delve further into the trade of finished products with Spain, the expedition books might be of great help as well. Given the richness of the archive, my three-day visit was not enough to cover everything, so I plan to return – hopefully with better weather (don’t be fooled by the sunny sky in the picture above)!
Léa Meyer - January 14th, 2025
Jan 17, 2025