Leers

Journey with me back to 1106. This is the year Leers first whispers its name into history. A document from the Hasnon Abbey reveals Lord Sicher granting his “right of altar” to Albert of Hasnon. This act, confirmed by Pope Eugene III in 1147, allowed the building of a religious structure on Leers’ land, hinting at the town’s growing importance. Leers continued to evolve. In 1238, Jean de Leers and his wife Jeanne donated rent to the church, confirming the existence of a church in Leers. Later, in 1269, Agnes, the widow of the mayor, ceded the “mayoralty” of Leers to Arnoul, Abbot of Hasnon, further solidifying the abbey’s influence. Leers wasn’t immune to the conflicts that shaped the region. In 1297, King Philip IV of France, waging war in Flanders, stationed a garrison at the Château de la Royère, near Leers. This strategic location, however, was reclaimed by the Flemish in 1302, highlighting the tug-of-war for control. The château met its demise in 1477, destroyed during the wars between Louis XI of France and Charles the Bold. Today, its ruins still stand in Néchin, Belgium, a silent testament to Leers’ turbulent past. Leers’ history is etched not only in grand battles but also in the everyday lives of its people. The town suffered a devastating epidemic in 1742, claiming 134 lives, nearly an eighth of the population. Even nature played a role, with lightning striking the church bell tower in 1748. Leers continued to be a place of change and growth. The Treaty of Limits in 1769 officially placed all of Leers within the Kingdom of France, causing some discontent among the population. In 1790, Leers took a step towards self-governance with the election of its first mayor, Jacques Bracaval. The 19th and 20th centuries brought industrial progress. A cotton weaving factory in 1871 and the Motte-Bossut Fils tower in 1895 mark Leers’ entry into the industrial age. Even in modern times, Leers continues to evolve, transforming areas like the Friche Deprat into new housing and a vibrant town center. From a small settlement mentioned in abbey records to a modern commune, Leers stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of its people.