Martigné-Ferchaud

History

In ancient times the town was part of the Riedones, one of the five Breton federations. Following the Roman invasion of 56 BC, it became part of the Province of Lyonnaise, under Governor Martinus. Situated on the Roman road from Angers to Rennes, it was a main crossing point on the Semnon. It is believed to have had a small Roman garrison due to its strategic position as a river crossing and as a centre for arms manufacture. The Roman legions withdrew from Gaul in 410AD. During the feudal period, justice was administered by the local lord, who was required to give service to his sovereign. The service required of the lord of Martigné Ferchaud was two horsemen fully equipped, while that of Vitre was five men-at-arms. The lord of Martigne had the right of High Justice, including capital crime. Martigné Ferchaud was one of the larger country towns in the region and was subject to the barony of Vitre. The title became associated by marriage with that of Chateaubriant in the 11th century. Though predominantly an area of agriculture, metal smelting and working continued in Martigné from Roman times until the early 20th century.

Geography

The town lies in the middle of the commune, on the left bank of the River Semnon, which flows westwards through the commune.

Most-observed species

• Common Pipistrelle

  Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Schreber, 1774) · Mammalia
  1,022
• Pipistrellus kuhlii (Natterer, 1819)

  Pipistrellus kuhlii (Natterer, 1819) · Mammalia
  638
• European Robin

  Erithacus rubecula (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  169
• Common Chaffinch

  Fringilla coelebs Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  159
• Great Tit

  Parus major Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  158
• House Sparrow

  Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  150
• Eurasian Blue Tit

  Cyanistes caeruleus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  147
• Eurasian Blackbird

  Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  143

Most recent

• M 4 — 2019-06-21
  2 km WSW of Vihiers, France
• M 3.6 — 2017-09-28
  1 km WNW of Tresbœuf, France
• M 3.5 — 2016-06-19
  4 km ESE of La Jumellière, France
• M 2.5 — 2008-09-19
  2 km NNE of Montigné-le-Brillant, France
• M 2.6 — 2008-08-28
  3 km E of Mauron, France
• M 2.5 — 2008-08-11
  3 km NW of Péaule, France