Hidden amongst the trees stands the Chateau de l’Abbaye. Its story begins long before its current form. This magnificent chateau in Lille has witnessed centuries of history. From Gallo-Roman times it held a strategic position at the confluence of the Scarpe and Escaut rivers. The area was once contested territory between the Atrebates Nervii and Menapians tribes. Later Roman occupation is evidenced by ancient discoveries. A smaller-scale excavation in the 1970s uncovered Roman buildings. These structures featured heating systems frescoes and marble veneer. Incredibly a large monetary treasure was found there too. Vases containing silver coins dating from 222 to 268 AD were unearthed in the early 19th century.
The Chateau de l’Abbaye wasn’t always a chateau. An initial Benedictine abbey existed on this site. It disappeared around 800 AD during Norman invasions. Then in 1155 a Premonstratensian establishment was built. This was richly endowed by the Lords of Mortagne. First called Chateau-Dieu the abbey was dedicated to Saint Martin from 1157 onwards. From the 14th century onwards it was known as Chateau-l’Abbaye-lez-Mortagne.
Owned by the Lords of Mortagne the establishment became Spanish between 1526 and 1668 and again between 1709 and 1713. It was destroyed during the French Revolution. The Rodolphe mill once dependent on the abbey vanished during the First World War. The Chateau de l’Abbaye’s history doesn’t just comprise grand events and wealthy patrons. It played a role in the lives of ordinary people too. The town’s population fluctuated between 718 and 852 inhabitants from the late 18th century to modern times. It peaked at over 1000 inhabitants in the 1840s. The lowest point was 1946 with only 510 inhabitants after World War II. The lives of the Fernig sisters are closely tied to Chateau-l’Abbaye. Marie-Françoise-Théophile-Robertine and Marie-Félicité-Louise were born here. These sisters were remarkable fighters in the French Revolution. They joined the Mortagne National Guard at the ages of sixteen and thirteen respectively. They fought against the Austrians instructed by Bournonville. The Convention even sent them two richly caparisoned horses. These beautiful sisters became attached to Dumouriez’s fortune. He gave them two staff officer commissions and took them as aides-de-camp. They fought at Valmy Jemmapes Anderlecht and Nerwinde. They performed several glorious actions. Drawn into Dumouriez’s flight they resumed traditionally feminine clothing. They later went to Paris to request their removal from the list of émigrés. They were poorly received and only returned in 1802.
Chateau de l’Abbaye and its surroundings also played a significant part in World War II. The Battle of the Escaut and Sensée lasted a week in May 1940. The 43rd R.I and 3rd Battalion of the 54th R.I.F fiercely defended their positions near Chateau-l’Abbaye Bruille and Odomez. They bravely faced the onslaught of the German army backed by air power. The armistice was signed on June 22 1940. The region was declared a restricted zone until 1941 living under Nazi occupation for four years. Despite this harsh condition the population showed remarkable resilience. The Resistance’s action greatly facilitated the Allied advance in the summer of 1944. The area’s liberation came quickly. The region was liberated between the end of August and September 1944.
The Chateau de l’Abbaye stands as a silent testament to these events. Its current form may not directly reflect all of its past. It still evokes the powerful history of this place. The chateau’s tale reminds us of the enduring spirit of those who lived and fought here. It reminds us of their perseverance in the face of adversity.