How about a trip back in time to Capinghem? This commune in the Nord department of northern France is part of the Métropole Européenne de Lille. Capinghem may be small but it holds a significant place in history.
Let’s delve into Capinghem’s story. The earliest known record dates back to 1124. It documents the donation of a tithe to Saint-Pierre de Lille. The parish church was offered to the chapter of St-Pierre by Simon. He was the Bishop of Tournai. Pope Celestine II confirmed this donation in 1143.
In the Middle Ages, the Lordship of Capinghem was very important. It later passed to the Vilain family of Ghent. Maximilien, Count of Isenghien, was known for his severe repression. He stopped the Gueux iconoclasts in 1566.
In 1646, during the siege of Armentières, Capinghem faced hardship. Marshals Gassion and Rantzau led the French army against Lomme. They besieged the parish. A census in 1543 counted 33 households.
Capinghem then belonged to the Spanish Netherlands. It became part of France in 1668. The Rouvroy family from Lille held the Lordship of Capinghem in the 18th century. Jacques-François-Alexandre Rouvroy was a knight and lord.
During the French Revolution, Augustin François Tirant became the first mayor. He spurred economic growth. This was achieved by developing linen, leather and small crafts.
Capinghem’s population grew throughout the 19th century. The Fréteur brewery opened in 1890. This caused a demographic boom. Sadly, World War I devastated Capinghem. The village was near the front line. It was over 95% destroyed. Economic and social recovery didn’t occur until the 1930s.
Today, Capinghem presents two faces. The old village center around the church maintains its rural feel. However, new constructions along major roads give it a more urban look.
The Saint-Vaast church was rebuilt in 1928. It replaced the neo-Gothic church of 1852. The original church was destroyed during World War I. The statue of the Sacred Heart was erected in 1945. It stands on Rue de l’Église. Adolphe Masselot was the sculptor.
Since 2005, Chef Pierrot de Lille has run the Auberge de La Marmite here. The sculptor Adolphe Masselot was buried in Capinghem cemetery. The blazon of Capinghem features a silver lion on a black field.
Capinghem has a rich history. It has evolved from a medieval village to a modern commune. Its resilience and growth reflect the spirit of its people.