During the construction of the towers (1134 – c. 1155), pilgrims themselves pulled the carts to help with the building…?

« A few years before the mid-12th century, devotion to Our Lady of Chartres took a new form. During the major construction work at the cathedral, pilgrims helped pull carts, sometimes from great distances, carrying materials and provisions for the workers. No one could participate in these pious tasks without first doing penance and making amends for their wrongs ».
Historian Yves Delaporte sticks to the facts, contrasting with the overabundance of writings on the subject over the past 150 years. These often portrayed cathedral construction as a community effort where everyone contributed physically if not financially.
This is clearly false; the work was entirely handled by paid professionals. Moreover, denying the reality described by contemporary sources is equally misleading. Beyond the literary motif of popular enthusiasm, there were indeed remarkable practices among confraternities, directly linked to the excitement generated by the construction. Here are three translated texts, providing better insight than allusions, denials, or truncated quotes.

Archbishop Hugues of Rouen wrote to Theodoric, Bishop of Amiens, in 1145:
“The works of God are great and always in accordance with His will! It was in Chartres that men began to pull carts and wagons to raise a church, and their humility brought forth miracles. The news of these wonders spread everywhere, finally awakening Normandy from its slumber. Our faithful, after seeking our blessing, wished to go to these places [Chartres] and fulfill their vows; then they returned through our diocese in the same order to our episcopal church, their mother; firmly resolved not to admit anyone into their society who had not confessed their sins and done penance, who had not put aside all hatred and ill-will, and who had not made peace and sincere concord with their enemies. With such resolutions, one among them is appointed leader; and, under his command, all humbly and silently harness themselves to the carts, offer alms, impose privations upon themselves, and shed tears… Thus disposed, they witness many miracles performed on the sick they bring with them, and they return healed those they had brought infirm”.

Robert of Torigni, another contemporary, in his ‘Chronicles’:
“It was in Chartres that men were first seen pulling, with all their strength, carts loaded with stones, wood, provisions, and all necessary supplies for the church whose towers were being raised. Whoever has not seen these wonders will never see anything like them, not only here but also in Normandy, throughout France, and in many other countries. Everywhere there is humility and sorrow, repentance for one’s faults and forgiveness of injuries, groans, and tears. Men, and even women, can be seen crawling on their knees through muddy swamps, striking their chests hard, begging heaven for mercy, all in the presence of many miracles that provoke songs and cries of joy”.

In his “History of the Miracles Performed through the Intercession of the Holy Virgin in 1140”, Abbot Haymon of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, an eyewitness, describes the events with near-cinematic realism:
“Who has not seen princes, powerful lords of this age, men-at-arms, and delicate women bend their necks under the yoke to which they allow themselves to be harnessed like beasts of burden, to carry heavy loads? They can be seen by the thousands, sometimes dragging a single machine because of its weight, transporting grain, wine, oil, lime, stones, and other materials for the workers over great distances. Nothing stops them—neither mountains, valleys, nor even rivers; they cross them like the people of God did in the past. But the marvel is that these countless troops march without disorder and in silence… their voices are heard only at a given signal: then they sing hymns or implore Mary for their sins… Arriving at their destination, the brethren surround the church; they stand around their carts like soldiers in their camp. At nightfall, candles are lit, prayers are chanted, offerings are made on sacred relics; then priests, clerics, and the faithful people return home with great edification, each walking in order, psalming and praying for the sick and the afflicted.” This text is part of a letter written in 1145 to the monks of Tuttebery (England).