Corcelles Swift Day

The building housing the Corcelles hammer mill stands on what historian Quiquerez called the “iron route” linking Erschwil to Crémines (Creux-de-mines). Everything suggests it was first a grain mill before becoming a smithy in 1791. The large waterwheel, powered by the waters of the Gabiatte, then drove three hammers. It was used to shape iron into axes, shears, gentian hooks, crowbars, picks and pickaxes for farmers, woodcutters and craftsmen of the region. The manufacture of agricultural tools, the fitting of cart wheels and the making of fences continued there until 1945.

From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, guided tours of the 18th-century forge workshop will be offered, along with demonstrations of its operation and its hammer driven by a waterwheel. Visitors will also be able to discover some 300 tools, a fossil exhibition, and watch the film La Forge, directed in 1978 by Lucienne Lanaz. On this occasion, light refreshments will be available and a small Christmas market will take place.