Was original best? Refitting the churches of the diocese of Le Mans, during the French Wars of Religion

This contribution considered the theft and sale of metals pillaged from churches during the French Wars of Religion. I discovered a fascinating episode which took place in Le Mans where Huguenot leaders targeted certain valuable ecclesiastical treasures (especially metal grills, goldwork and wine cellars) and installed them in their own homes, as well as converting them into money for their war effort. This process took place in the cathedral as much as in small parish churches. The chapter contributes to material history and the archaeology of objects.