Were Replacement Trees for Notre Dame Cathedral Planted in 1800?

The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris caught fire on April 15, 2019, causing significant damage to the building's roof and spire. However, it was not the first time the cathedral faced a major disaster. In the 18th century, the cathedral's roof burned down, leading to a massive rebuilding effort. One of the biggest questions surrounding the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral in the 21st century is whether replacement trees were planted in 1800 to replace the cathedral's roof.

The Fire of 1786 and the Rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral

In 1786, the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire, and the spire and the roof eventually collapsed. The fire also destroyed the cathedral's bells, many of its stained-glass windows, and several artistic pieces. At the time, the cathedral was in a poor state of repair, and its wooden frame was vulnerable to fire.

After the fire, the French government launched a rebuilding campaign to restore the cathedral to its former glory. The chief architect overseeing the reconstruction, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, decided to remove the old roof entirely and replace it with a new one made of lead. The new roof was higher than the old one, and the spire was taller and more elaborate.

The Myth of Replacement Trees

There is a popular myth that replacement trees were planted to replace the old roof of Notre Dame Cathedral. According to the myth, a law was passed in 1800 that required the planting of oak trees in the forests surrounding Paris that would be used for the reconstruction of the cathedral's roof 60 years later.

However, there is no evidence to support this myth. The law that supposedly required the planting of oak trees was never passed, and there is no mention of any such law in the archives of the French government.

The Truth About the Trees Used for the Reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral

The trees used to rebuild the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral were not planted in 1800. In fact, they were harvested in the mid-19th century and transported to Paris by train. The trees were cut down in the forests of the Champagne region of France, which was known for its high-quality oak trees.

The forest was managed by the French government, which ensured that the trees that were cut down were replaced by new ones. This practice continues to this day, and the forests around Paris are managed sustainably, with replanting of trees done on a regular basis.

The Importance of Sustainable Forestry

The story of the trees used to rebuild the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral is a testament to the importance of sustainable forestry practices. While there is no evidence to support the myth of replacement trees planted in 1800, the fact that the trees used for the reconstruction were harvested in a sustainable manner is a testament to the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations.

As we continue to face the challenges of climate change and deforestation, it is more important than ever to prioritize sustainable forestry practices. By managing our forests responsibly, we can ensure that they provide us with the resources we need while also preserving their ecological value for future generations.

In Conclusion

The myth that replacement trees were planted in 1800 to replace the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral is just that – a myth. The trees used for the reconstruction of the cathedral's roof were harvested in the mid-19th century and transported to Paris by train. The forests around Paris continue to be managed sustainably, with replanting of trees done on a regular basis. The story of the trees used to rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral is a testament to the importance of sustainable forestry practices and the need to preserve our natural resources for future generations.