Is Estevelles just another dot on the map? Hardly. Estevelles is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department. It sits in the Hauts-de-France region.
Today we will explore Estevelles. We will uncover some of its hidden stories. Estevelles may be small. But its history and character are rich.
Let’s start with location. Estevelles is about 6 miles northeast of Lens. The canalized river Deûle shapes its southern edge.
The name Estevelles has evolved. It was Steflas in the 11th century. By 1203, it became Stevles, Steveles, and Esteviles. In 1264, it was Estevenes. Since 1793 and 1801, it is Estevelles. Locals sometimes called it “Etef” into the 1980s. This shows its unique linguistic journey.
Estevelles’ name might come from “stabula”. This is a vulgar Latin term for “stables”. Some thought it meant “summer pasture”. The accepted etymology points to medieval origins.
Now for some history. In the 17th century, Jeanne Baillet was Dame d’Esteveles. She married Bauduin Muyssart. He was Seigneur du Maretz and a doctor from Lille. Their son, Toussaint Muyssart II, also held the title. He commanded a company during troubles in the Netherlands.
Toussaint’s son, Maximilien, followed. He was a lawyer and city councilor in Lille. These families shaped Estevelles’ early identity.
Estevelles has changed over time. In 1962, it joined the Arrondissement of Lens. Before that, it was part of Béthune since 1801. Today, it is part of the Communauté d’Agglomération de Lens-Liévin.
Let’s talk about the land. Estevelles covers a small area of 2.54 square kilometers. The elevation ranges from 21 to 46 meters. The navigable Deûle canal runs along its south side.
The climate here is interesting. It is classified as a degraded oceanic climate. Expect moderate sunshine and consistent rainfall. Winters are cold, averaging around 3°C.
Did you know Estevelles has a unique natural area? It is the ZNIEFF site. This includes the terril No. 98 d’Estevelles and the terril d’Harnes. A former railway line connects them. These “cavaliers” often become hiking trails.
The terril d’Estevelles is trapezoidal. The terril d’Harnes is conical. They are linked by the old railway.
Estevelles is part of a larger urban area. It is a “urban belt”. This means it is a suburb within the Douai-Lens urban unit.
Estevelles is accessible. The D 164 E2 road passes through it. The A21 and A1 highways are nearby. The Gare de Pont-à-Vendin train station is only 3 km away.
The town has evolved over time. Artificial surfaces cover much of the land. Arable land also makes up a large portion.
Estevelles has a monument to its war dead. The Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix was rebuilt after 1918. These sites reflect its history.
The Indian flying ace Indra Lal Roy died here in 1918. He is buried in the communal cemetery.
Estevelles’ blazon features a lion, a bridge, and wheat. It symbolizes the town’s heritage.
Estevelles may be small. But it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. This includes the mining basin of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The Cité pavillonnaire de la fosse no 24 and the terril no 98 are included. This recognizes Estevelles’ role in mining history.
Today, Estevelles has about 2,002 residents. They are called Estevellois. The town continues to evolve.
Estevelles is more than a place on a map. It is a blend of history, nature, and community. Its story is one of constant change.