Disney, a name that makes the world dream
Disney! A name known throughout the world, by all generations! A name that still makes us dream, that takes us back to our childhood, that has given us unforgettable characters and stories!
And, at the risk of sounding a little pretentious, I must tell you: We French consider Disney one of our own. Why? Because Walt Disney’s ancestors came from our Norman shores, more precisely from Isigny-sur-Mer.
The great saga of the Disney family began in 1066, when William the Conqueror set sail for England with his loyal Norman lords. Among them were Lord Hugues Suhart, “Guardian and Master of the Port of Isigny-sur-Mer,” and his son Robert.
After William’s victory at the famous Battle of Hastings, where King Harold Godwinson was killed, William became King of England and rewarded his men with English lands. Hugues took the name Hugues d’Isigny and settled in England with his family. Over the centuries, the name evolved: d’Isigny became Deisigny, then d’Isny, and finally Disney. The family remained in England until the 17th century and even gave its name to the village of Norton Disney in Lincolnshire.
A fun fact: a plot of land in the small hamlet of Usselby was once mentioned as Disnayland in a charter of 1386! The parish church in Norton Disney still contains memorials to the Lords Disney, as the family built their first fortified, moated residence just opposite it. A manor house replaced this fortified residence in the 17th century.
From England to Ireland to America
Walt’s Golden Mouse
Let’s jump ahead to 1928. On a train from New York to Hollywood, Walter sketched a small, smiling mouse. He initially called it Mortimer, but his wife Lilly suggested another name: Mickey. And that’s how Mickey Mouse was born, and how Walt Disney found his own goldmine of magic!
Celebrating his roots
Although his creations conquered the world, Walt never forgot his roots! On June 10, 1949, he traveled to Norton Disney to explore his ancestral lands. He even researched his genealogy and created a family crest inspired by Norman heraldry. This crest can be seen on the castles in Disney parks around the world.
Back in Normandy, Isigny-sur-Mer pays tribute to Walt’s legacy. On December 14, 2016, for the 50th anniversary of his death, the town inaugurated the Walt Disney Garden, with Mickey Mouse in attendance! Then, on November 18, 2018, for Mickey’s 90th birthday, the Espace Muséal Walt d’Isigny opened its doors. This unique museum displays more than 6,000 objects lovingly collected by a fan and donated to the town. You can admire the collection for free at the Isigny town hall and immerse yourself in the magical world of Mickey with a smile (and perhaps a touch of nostalgia).
Isigny-sur-mer, a small port with a large history
And of course, this small port found itself on the front line during the D-Day landings. On June 8, 1944, caught in the crossfire, it was more than 60% destroyed during two waves of bombing.
Today, places such as the Espace Historique Isigny 44, the Parc des Mémoires and several commemorative stelae pay tribute to the courage and resilience of the soldiers and the inhabitants. Thanks to the support of General Eisenhower and the unwavering determination of its residents, Isigny was almost entirely rebuilt.
Let’s end on a cheerful note, shall we? Isigny-sur-Mer is also famous for another product that has traveled the world: its delicious butter, made from the rich milk of Norman cows. A sweet reminder that this peaceful coastal town has given the world more than one reason to smile.
Wikimedia commons: Header and photo #1 and photo #3 by Dave osm are CC BY-SA 4.0 – Recumbent statue by Richard Croft is CC BY-SA 2.0
