What secrets does Aubers hold? Aubers sits quietly in the French region of Hauts-de-France. This charming village, part of the Nord department, offers a glimpse into a rich past. Aubers was once home to powerful families who left their mark on the landscape.
Aubers boasts a fascinating history. Before the French Revolution, Aubers housed several seigneuries, including Aubers, Plouich, Piètre, and Pommereau. These seigneuries were centers of power and influence. They played a significant role in the region’s social and political life. One notable family, the Blondels, acquired the seigneurie of Aubers in 1698. Roland Blondel began constructing the Château d’Aubers, which his son later completed. By 1794, the Château d’Aubers covered an impressive nine hectares.
The First World War dramatically impacted Aubers. Located on the front lines, Aubers endured fierce battles for control of the plain between the Deûle and Lys rivers. These conflicts destroyed much of the village. Most residents were forced to flee. Amidst the devastation, a remarkable tilleul tree survived. Even a lightning strike that split it in two in 1721 couldn’t destroy it. This resilient tilleul, now with a circumference of around 8 meters, stands protected by the commune and the Cercle Historique d’Aubers. Today, the Aubers Ridge British Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many British and Commonwealth soldiers who fell in the area.
Aubers began its reconstruction in 1919. This involved extensive de-mining under British army supervision. Thousands of unexploded munitions littered the land. These remnants of war were either detonated on-site or transported to specialized disposal centers.
Aubers is more than just its wartime history. It has unique features worth discovering. For example, the church choir once showcased eight stunning stained-glass windows. Five were donated by Wallerand de Beaufremez and three by the de Noyelles family. These windows proudly displayed the families’ coats of arms. Other treasures include the Tilleul du Joncquoy, planted in 1490, and the remnants of two châteaux at Piètre, visible through their moats and mounds. The five-hectare site des étangs, open for fishing since 1970, provides a tranquil escape. And don’t miss the Grotte Notre-Dame de Lourdes, created in 1958. Aubers, despite its tumultuous past, remains a testament to resilience. The village has preserved its unique character. It offers visitors a blend of history and natural beauty.