Remember Lomme. It was once its own town. Now, Lomme is a part of Lille.
Lomme’s story is unique. It offers a glimpse into French history. Let’s dive into what makes Lomme special.
Lomme sits on Lille’s northwest edge. It is part of the European Metropolis of Lille. This location has shaped Lomme’s story.
The name Lomme might come from “villa Ulma”. This name appeared in the 11th century. “Ulma” is Latin for elm. So, Lomme might mean a place of elms.
Lomme was part of Walloon Flanders. It depended on Lille and the diocese of Tournai. Later, it was tied to Cambrai. In 1146 Saint Bernard founded an abbey here. After Louis XIV’s conquests, Lomme became French in 1667.
The 19th century brought big changes. Industries arrived. These included textiles, mechanics, and chemicals. Lomme grew because of them.
Before the French Revolution, Lomme had many seigneuries. One was the Grand-Bas. In 1612 Josse de Parmentier owned it. He fought for his noble status.
During World War II tragedy struck. An English bombing in 1944 aimed for the railway complex. Over 400 people died. The bombing affected many neighborhoods.
After the factories closed Lomme adapted. It welcomed the MIN de Lille. The Englos shopping center was created. The Saint-Philibert hospital arrived. The tramways were replaced by metro line 2.
In 2000 Lille and Lomme merged. Lomme became an associated commune of Lille. This marked a new chapter.
Lomme has five neighborhoods. These are le Bourg, la Délivrance, la Mitterie, le Mont-à-Camp, and le Marais. Each has its own character.
Le Bourg is the oldest area. Its church has a unique trait. It lost its spire in World War I. La Délivrance was for railway workers. La Mitterie has old mechanical workshops. Mont-à-Camp got its name from a garrison. Le Marais was once a marsh.
Lomme has a giant named Anne Delavaux. She is a local heroine. She fought in the Spanish army. She dressed as a man. Her statue is in Lomme’s town hall.
Lomme’s story includes industry. It includes war and adaptation. Today, Lomme is a dynamic part of Lille.
Remember Lomme’s past. Consider its present. Appreciate its future.