Picture this. You stand before the Hôtel de l’Intendance in Lille a grand building steeped in history. Its elegant façade speaks of centuries past.
This impressive structure is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to Lille’s rich heritage. Initially known as the Hôtel de Wambrechies it was built between 1685 and 1703 for Nicolas François Faulconnier. The Hôtel de l’Intendance’s name changed many times. It has served as the seat of military authority a prefectural residence and now the Archbishopric of Lille.
The Hôtel de l’Intendance’s story is one of transformation. In 1784-1785 it was acquired and expanded by architect Michel-Joseph Lequeux. This expansion was to accommodate Charles d’Esmangart the Intendant of Flanders and Artois. Tragically Lequeux died during construction. A gardener stabbed him during an argument. The work was completed in 1787.
During the Revolution in 1791 the Hôtel de l’Intendance became the General Headquarters. It housed the military authority in Lille. By 1796 it was the headquarters for the sixteenth division. Then called the Hôtel du Commandement it hosted Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803. His visit led to the relocation of the prefecture from Douai to Lille.
The prefecture moved into the former Hôtel de Wambrechies in 1825. It became the Hôtel de la Préfecture. Significant renovations took place in 1825 and 1826. The prefecture remained until 1872 moving to its new location at Place de la République.
In 1874 the Dames du Sacré-Cœur acquired the building. They planned to expand their institution. They rented it to Philibert Vrau for five years. This housed the beginnings of the Catholic University of Lille. Law courses began there before the Wallon law on higher education. The building then hosted the faculties of law and letters along with the Theological College until 1881.
After the nuns left in 1904 Countess Boselli-Scrive bought the Hôtel de l’Intendance. She provided it to the Archbishops of Cambrai. When the Diocese of Lille was established in 1913 it became the seat of the bishopric. It was elevated to an archbishopric in 2008. Extensive restoration including the roof occurred between 1995 and 2000.
The Hôtel de l’Intendance is a fine example of French architecture. It features a main building with wings. The front section has a peristyle once open with Doric columns of white marble. Ionic columns support a triangular pediment above. The north wing initially a trompe-l’œil was added during the 1785 to 1787 expansion. A grand ballroom and gallery overlooking the garden were also added then. In 1825-1826 an extra floor was added for the prefect’s office and the general council chamber.
The Hôtel de l’Intendance’s history is rich and varied. It’s a building that has witnessed significant moments in Lille’s past. It stands today a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit. Its past lives on within its walls. Its beauty endures. The Hôtel de l’Intendance continues to hold its place as a significant part of Lille.