The Hôtel Thiret de Prain
This was a mansion in the days of Henry IV. and Louis XIII. Richelieu stayed there in 1641.
HÔTEL THIRET DE PRAIN IN 1918
These two photographs illustrate the systematic destructions practised by the Germans.
An imposing building, bordered with streets on its four sides, it had retained its original appearance. The carriage-entrance in the Rue Eugène Desteuque alone had been rebuilt in 1697. The principal entrance was surmounted with a gallery, the walls, ceiling and beams of which were covered with delicate decorative paintings.
On the first floor one of the corner rooms, looking east, contained a large Henry IV. mantelpiece, above which were the arms of the nobles of Prain. Only the metallic portion remains.
INTERIOR FAÇADE OF THE CLOISTER OF THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS
In the courtyard of No. 9, Rue des Trois-Raisinets.
The dove-cot of the Hôtel, a massive square tower with pent-house roof, overlooking the Rue d'Avenay, was destroyed by the bombardments.