Medieval Origins (11th–13th Centuries)

Founding:

The village emerged around the 11th century under the lordship of the Guilhem de Mantarnaud family. Its name references the nearby Londres River (not London!), and it was part of the Languedoc region. By 1254, the lordship passed to the Abbey of Gellone (Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert), marking its religious significance

Architectural Legacy:

The Romanesque church (12th century) remains a centerpiece, featuring thick stone walls and a bell tower. The village’s circulade layout—streets spiraling around the church—reflects its defensive design against invasions

Feudal and Religious Influence (14th–18th Centuries)

Episcopal Control:

From 1331 until the French Revolution, the bishops of Maguelone (later Montpellier) governed the valley, reinforcing the village’s ecclesiastical ties. The church was expanded and fortified, blending Romanesque and Gothic elements

Plague and Boundaries:

A local legend claims Henry VIII extended parish boundaries in 1542 to avoid plague victims—though this likely refers to London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields, highlighting the village’s name-related mix-ups

Legend claims Henry VIII extended the parish boundaries to avoid plague victims... but villagers whisper it was really to stop his cooks from stealing their famed Cévennes geese for royal feasts.

The village’s Romanesque church clock is notorious for running slow—some say it’s still set to "medieval time." Locals shrug: "Why rush when the wine’s this good?"

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