This covered wash-house is particularly interesting. It has 3 parts. In the centre, the spring flows through a spout into a trough used as a drinking trough for the animals. Then, on either side, there is a wash-house where the washerwomen probably worked standing up. One was used for scouring, the other for rinsing after the washing had been boiled in a washing machine with a mixture of water and wood ash.
Each of the basins has a staircase at the top. This was to avoid animals drinking.
Before they married, many young women worked as washerwomen "to earn a few pennies". They were paid by the day.
It's worth noting that in the cutlery trade, the owner was obliged to provide the apprentices with laundry services, as well as food.
The large company located nearby is an interesting reminder of the industrialisation of the 19th century. The sound of pounding hammers that you may hear indicates that production was geared towards forging and stamping. This factory employed up to 260 workers.
Lavoir du Colombier de Nogent
