Did you know that Templeuve-en-Pévèle was once simply known as Templeuve? It officially became Templeuve-en-Pévèle on November 16, 2015. Before that, in October 2014, the council voted to change the commune’s name.
Let’s explore some of Templeuve-en-Pévèle’s history. The name Templeuve may come from “Templum Jovis”. This means “The Temple of Jupiter.” In 877, it was recorded as Templovium.
Now Templeuve-en-Pévèle sits about 18 kilometers southeast of Lille. It is positioned among the French cities St Amand, Lille and Douai. The Belgian city Tournai is also nearby. In 2020, Templeuve-en-Pévèle had about 6,469 residents. The area covers approximately 1,580 hectares.
Templeuve-en-Pévèle is known for its windmills. A windmill tower called the “Moulin de Viertain” was mentioned in 1328. It appeared in Anchin Abbey rent documents. The windmill burned down in 1616 during a war. It was rebuilt completely after that. Productive work at the mill stopped in 1908. People damaged it during World War I. They wanted wood.
Restoration of the windmill began in 1980. The sails were added in 1985. You can visit it today. The families De la Porte dit d’Espierres, Robert, and Jacops d’Aigrement owned it. This was before the French Revolution. Later, the Havet and Band families owned it. Miller Jean-Baptiste Houze died on November 21, 1907. His widow ground the last grain bags. Then, she abandoned the mill.
Jean Bruggeman inspired Templeuve-en-Pévèle to acquire the mill in 1973. Bruggeman was the president of a regional association. The association was called “des Amis des Moulins”. Robert Vandelanoitte opened the restored mill on June 15, 1985. He was the mayor. Alphonse Dhelin was the Assistant for Cultural Affairs.
The windmill’s design lets it rotate with the wind. The internal mechanism rests on a pivot. The tower stands 10.20 meters tall. Its diameter is 5.10 meters. Walls are 1.25 meters thick at the base. At the summit, they are 1.12 meters thick. The sails span 24 meters. The mechanism includes two pairs of millstones. The large spinning wheel has a 2.90-meter diameter. The little wheel is 2 meters in diameter. Oak, elm, and iroko wood make up the mechanisms. Chestnut forms the shingles.
The windmill is a unique structure in France. It is a testament to Templeuve-en-Pévèle’s rich heritage. The Paris-Roubaix cycling race passes near the Moulin de Vertain. Templeuve-en-Pévèle also has a fascinating link to witchcraft. The town is famous for witch trials. One notable figure is Marie Navart. She was executed in 1656 after a 36-day trial. This dark chapter adds another layer to Templeuve-en-Pévèle’s intriguing history.