Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
Rancon
open-in-new
<h2 id="history">History</h2> <p>The earliest known name for Rancon is Roncomagus; which comes from the <a href="/facts/Gaulish/CAQo48pc">Gallic</a> and means 'market at the rock'. And the piers for the old bridge over the River <a href="/facts/Gartempe/zWvqcxCF">Gartempe</a> - which still exists - date from the Gallo-Roman era. This bridge is believed to have carried an important Gallo-Roman road. </p><p>The village also has a fortified church which featured in the <a href="/facts/Hundred_Years_War/Q6myk5Hu">Hundred Years War</a>. As well as a 'Lantern of the dead' dating from the 12th century. The exact purpose of these lanterns is still a mystery. </p><p>There is also a Roman-style chapel outside the village, which houses a Gallo-Roman altar dedicated to Hercules. This chapel is open during the summer and was painted by English artists Fred Yates and Geoff Bunn both of whom lived in the area for a time. </p> <h2 id="geography">Geography</h2> <p>The river <a href="/facts/Semme/STWAjoj0">Semme</a> forms the commune's northern border. </p><p>The river <a href="/facts/Gartempe/zWvqcxCF">Gartempe</a> forms part of the commune's eastern border, flows westward through the middle of the commune, then forms part of the commune's western border. </p><p>Inhabitants are known as <i>Ranconniers</i>. </p> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Communes_of_the_Haute-Vienne_department/m494svVA">Communes of the Haute-Vienne department</a></li></ul> Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rancon.