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| Square du Vert Galant |
English Translation
"Until the Pont-Neuf was built, the Ile de la Cité ended in the Jardin du Roi (the King’s garden), where the Place Dauphine was built. The current tip of the island is made up of three islets joined to the Cité, the central base of the new bridge. The northern islet, known as Ile du Patriarche, was extended to the east by a tiny islet bearing a mill, known as the Gourdaine, then the Monnaie, because its hydraulic power was used to beat the royal coinage. The southern islet, the largest, was known as Ile aux Bureau, as it belonged to Hugues Bureau at the end of the 15th century. On March 11, 1314, Jacques de Molay, Grand Master of the Order of the Temple, and Guy, Commander of the Knights Templar of Normandy, were burnt alive here." (Translated with DeepL)
Background notes
- Place Dauphine is located on the Île de la Citê, directly opposite the Pont Neuf and its equestrian statue of King Henry IV (who reigned from 1589 to 1610).
- The name "Vert-Galant" in Square du Vert Galant refers to King Henry IV’s reputation as a charming and gallant king, particularly with regard to his many love affairs and fondness for women.
- Both Jacques de Morlay and Guy, who were burned at the stake here, were members of the Knights Templar, a powerful medieval Christian military order founded in 1119 to protect pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.
- Although originally supported by Royalty, by the early 14th century, King Philip IV of France was heavily in debt to the Templars, and suspicous of their power and influence.
- In 1307, King Philip conspired with Pope Clement V to disband the Order and arrest its members, accusing them of heresy, idolatry and other crimes (believed to be fabricated charges) so as to dissolve the Order and seize its wealth.