Molondin

Origin of the name Molondin

The name is attested in 1380 in the forms «Mollondens» and «Mollendens». The sources consulted do not explain its etymology. The inhabitants, the Molondinois, are nicknamed «lè Coumcllio» (the pot hooks, in Vaud patois).

Founding of Molondin

None of the sources consulted names a founder of the village. The territory of Molondin was the seat of the lordship of Saint-Martin-du-Chêne, which existed from the early 12th century until around 1550; a fortified castle and a small walled town were built there in the 13th century and disappeared in the 16th century. Around 1380, Molondin was detached from Saint-Martin and divided into several fiefs, most of which went to Hugues d'Estavayer (to be cross-checked). In the 17th century his descendants brought the whole lordship of Molondin together through successive purchases, and kept it until the end of the 18th century.

History of Molondin

early 12th century. Beginning of the lordship of Saint-Martin-du-Chêne, whose castle is thought to date from this century (to be cross-checked).

13th century. Construction of the fortified castle and small town of Saint-Martin-du-Chêne; the lordship reaches its height.

1303. The lordship of Saint-Martin-du-Chêne is divided between the canon Richard IV and his nephews Jean and Richard V the Younger (to be cross-checked).

14th century. A chapel of Saint-Antoine is built in Molondin.

1380. First written mention, «Mollondens», «Mollendens»; around this date Molondin is detached from Saint-Martin and divided into fiefs, most going to Hugues d'Estavayer (to be cross-checked).

1536. During the Bernese conquest of the Pays de Vaud, in February, the castle of Saint-Martin-du-Chêne is spared (to be cross-checked); Molondin belongs to the bailiwick of Yverdon until 1798.

16th century. The castle and small town of Saint-Martin-du-Chêne disappear; the town is abandoned before 1550.

17th century. Through successive purchases, the descendants of Hugues d'Estavayer bring together the whole lordship of Molondin, which they hold until the end of the 18th century.

1667. Molondin, which belonged to the parish of Saint-Martin, passes to that of Le Pâquier; the chapel of Saint-Martin is replaced by the church of Chêne-Pâquier.

1718-1719. The chapel of Saint-Antoine is rebuilt.

1798. The municipality becomes part of the district of Yverdon.

1955. A Protestant church replaces the chapel of Saint-Antoine.

1961. Restoration of the Saint-Martin tower.

2000. The village has thirteen farms (cereals, potatoes, livestock); agritourism is developing.

2008. With the new districts coming into force on 1 January, the municipality joins the district of Jura-Nord vaudois.

Population of Molondin

Population of Molondin

1803	200
1850	327
1900	330
1950	250
2000	181
2025	260

Historic sites in Molondin

Saint-Martin tower (castle of Saint-Martin-du-Chêne). The only major remnant of the castle of the lordship of Saint-Martin-du-Chêne, this 17-metre square tower, the former keep, overlooks the Vallon des Vaux. Its lower part is limestone and its upper part tufa; the original entrance was six to seven metres above the ground on the east side. Restored in 1961, it is listed together with the adjoining ruins as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

Protestant church of Molondin. Built in 1955 in place of the chapel of Saint-Antoine, founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1718-1719.

Village of Molondin. The whole village is listed in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites (ISOS).

Remains in Molondin

Wall and vanished town of Saint-Martin-du-Chêne. Besides the tower, a section of the enclosure wall survives from the castle and small town built in the 13th century. The town was abandoned before 1550; its chapel remained in use until 1667, when it was replaced by the church of Chêne-Pâquier.

Sources

• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Molondin »
• Commune de Molondin, « La Tour St-Martin »
• Commune de Molondin, « Notre village »
• Wikipédia, « Château de Saint-Martin-du-Chêne »
• Wikipédia, « Molondin »
• Wikipedia (en), « Molondin »
• Wikipédia, « Districts du canton de Vaud »
• Statistique Vaud, « Population résidante permanente au 31 décembre 2025 »

Other villages near Molondin

• Chêne-Pâquier (VD)
• Rovray (VD)
• Démoret (VD)
• Champtauroz (VD)
• Mézery-près-Donneloye (VD)