“Hem,” a name meaning “the dwelling-place”. Does that spark your curiosity about this French commune? Today we will explore Hem in Lille. Hem is one of the oldest communes in the Nord department of northern France.
Let’s journey back to the early days of Hem. Originally called “Ham”, it transformed into “Hem” during the 14th century. The name suggests a large number of households. Imagine a hamlet nestled in this area.
Hem covers approximately 9.65 square kilometers. In the early 19th century, it had only 4,876 inhabitants. Initially, Hem thrived as an agricultural center. The plains of Hauts-Champs, Longchamp, Beaumont and Le Civron were the centers of agriculture. By 1900, Hem reached the height of its industrial prosperity. Even then, 41 farmers still worked the land.
The Second World War marked a turning point for Hem. The population quadrupled within twenty years. The town’s center shifted towards the limits. New housing concentrated in the north. Almost 50 percent of the population resided there. This new housing accounted for 72 percent of Hem’s total housing but occupied only 15 percent of the town’s area.
Unfortunately, job growth couldn’t keep pace with the population boom. In 1975, only 2,200 jobs existed for a workforce of 7,890 people. Almost half of these workers were manual laborers. Deindustrialization began in the mid-1970s. This led to a slow but steady population decline in Hem.
Since the 1990s, Hem’s municipal authority has prioritized economic prosperity. As a result, around 15 new firms have established themselves in Hem.
Let’s talk about some notable landmarks. The Chapelle Sainte Thérèse is a significant monument. Cardinal Achille Liénart consecrated it in 1958. Hermann Baur, a Swiss architect, designed it. Its shape is reminiscent of a barn. It features modern art. Two stained glass walls created by Alfred Manessier are highlights. A scene from the French film “The Dreamlife of Angels” was filmed in the Chapel.
Hem has also been the home of notable people. Daouda Sow won a silver medal in boxing at the 2008 Olympics. Alain Bondue is a French Olympic racing cyclist. Michael Fortunati, a pop singer, was raised in Hem. Saida Jawad is a French actress.
Hem maintains connections with other countries through its twin towns. These include Mossley in the United Kingdom, Aljustrel in Portugal, and Wiehl in Germany.
Hem’s history reflects its resilience and adaptability. From its agricultural roots to its industrial expansion and subsequent economic challenges, Hem has continually evolved. Today, Hem is a vibrant commune. It balances its historical legacy with a focus on future prosperity.