Wonder what stories these walls could tell? This is the H\u00f4tel de l’Intendance. It stands here on Rue Royale in Lille. This hôtel particulier has a rich history. It has served many purposes over the centuries.
Initially named H\u00f4tel de Wambrechies, construction spanned from 1685 to 1703. Nicolas Fran\u00e7ois Faulconnier, Seigneur de Wambrechies, commissioned it.
In 1784, the Magistrat of Lille acquired the hotel. Architect Michel-Joseph Lequeux transformed and enlarged it. It was intended for Charles d’Esmangart, Intendant of Flandre and Artois. Tragically, Lequeux died during the construction. A gardener fatally stabbed him during a dispute. The work finished in 1787.
During the Revolution in 1791, it became the Quartier Général. This served as the military authority’s headquarters in Lille. By 1796, the sixteenth division took up residence. It was then called H\u00f4tel du Commandement. Napoleon Bonaparte stayed here in 1803. He decided to move the prefecture from Douai to Lille after his visit.
In 1825, the prefecture moved into the former H\u00f4tel de Wambrechies. It was then known as H\u00f4tel de la Préfecture. Major renovations occurred in 1825 and 1826. The prefecture remained here until 1872.
In 1874, the Dames du Sacré-Cœur bought the former prefecture. They leased it to Philibert Vrau. This housed the beginnings of Lille’s Catholic University. The first law courses took place here. Later, the faculties of law and letters occupied the space. The Collège Théologique also resided here until 1881.
After the expulsion of the religious orders in 1904, the Countess Boselli-Scrive purchased the hotel. She made it available to the archbishops of Cambrai. In 1913, the diocese of Lille was established. The H\u00f4tel de l’Intendance became the seat of the Bishop of Lille. It was elevated to an archbishopric in 2008. Extensive restoration work occurred between 1995 and 2000.
The H\u00f4tel de l’Intendance is designed in the French style. It features a main building between a courtyard and a garden. The facade includes an avant-corps. Once open, a peristyle features Doric columns of white marble. Ionic columns support a triangular pediment above. Two wings frame the main building. The north wing was added during the extensions of 1785 to 1787. A ballroom was added during the same extension. In 1825-1826, an additional floor accommodated the prefect’s office. It also housed the general council chamber.
Today, the H\u00f4tel de l’Intendance stands as a monument. It is a testament to Lille’s evolving history. It continues to serve as the seat of the Archbishopric of Lille. Its walls echo with stories of nobles, revolutionaries, and scholars. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history embedded in this remarkable place.