Ussel

Ussel stands in the uplands of the Limousin, between the valleys leading towards the Dordogne. During the Hundred Years' War, the town and its castle were held by the English; Bertrand du Guesclin laid siege to Ussel in February 1371. In later centuries butchery and related trades, particularly tanning, became important to the town. Its inhabitants acquired the nickname Pelauds, associated with the work of preparing hides.