Lyon. The Martinière School: the story of a legacy, but where does this name come from?

Every Sunday, Le Progrès delves into the history of Lyon, both great and small. The history of its people and its heritage. Last week, we discussed the history of the neighborhood, its construction by architects Clermont and Riboud, who gave the district its distinctive "art nouveau" style. But where does the name La Martinière come from? We'll tell you all about it this week.

Claude Martin bequeathed part of his fortune to the city of Lyon for the creation of a school. Photo Julie Bordet

This neighborhood in the ^1st arrondissement of Lyon takes its name from Major Martin. Born in Lyon in 1735, Claude Martin was the son of a master vinegar maker and barrel maker in Terreaux. He began an apprenticeship with a silk workshop manager but quickly realized that the trade held no interest for him. He decided to enlist in the army in 1751.

He became a soldier in the troops of the French East India Company, which was then fighting the English for possession of the country. Probably taken prisoner, Martin went over to the English in 1760...

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