Billy-Berclau

Hidden within the Hauts-de-France region, Billy-Berclau whispers tales of monks, coal mines, and industrial booms. Billy-Berclau first appeared in records around 1024. The former knight Leduin, now Abbot of Saint-Vaast in Arras, established a priory here. He sought to manage the abbey’s growing lands and accommodate the surplus of monks at Saint-Vaast. The priory, dedicated to Saint-Sauveur, nestled near the Deule River amidst pastures. It housed five monks, including the prior, tasked with cultivating the land and raising sheep. They transformed the marshy landscape, laying the foundation for the village of Billy-Berclau. A curious tale surrounds the skull of Saint James the Major. Abbot Leduin secretly gifted this relic to the Berclau priory. It attracted pilgrims and brought prosperity for 140 years. However, Abbot Martin of Saint-Vaast eventually uncovered the secret. He retrieved the skull, but the villagers protested its removal. The Count of Flanders intervened, taking the relic for himself. A six-year dispute ensued, involving the Bishop of Thérouanne, the Archbishop of Reims, and even the Pope. Finally, a compromise was reached. The skull was divided, with one half going to the church of Aire and the other back to Saint-Vaast Abbey. Billy-Berclau’s story continued into the 20th century with the discovery of coal. The Compagnie des mines de Meurchin operated mine shaft No. 5 until 1937. This mine played a vital role in the region’s industrial growth. The headframe and other mine buildings stand as a testament to this era. These structures were designated a historical monument in 2011, preserving a piece of Billy-Berclau’s industrial past. The town endured devastation during World War I and was awarded the Croix de Guerre in 1921. A German military cemetery in Billy-Berclau serves as a somber reminder of the war’s impact. Over 1,600 German soldiers are buried here. Billy-Berclau also holds a connection to the retail giant Leroy Merlin. Its founders, Adolphe Leroy and Rose Merlin, were born in this small commune. Their entrepreneurial spirit began here, eventually blossoming into the DIY empire known today. From a marshland village gifted with a saint’s relic to an industrial hub, Billy-Berclau offers a captivating glimpse into French history.