“The Goddess” they nicknamed it. This is the Memorial to the benefactors of the monument Stele. It stands here in Lille as a reminder of resilience. It honors a pivotal moment in Lille’s history.
The Memorial to the benefactors of the monument Stele commemorates the Siege of 1792. This siege was a significant event for the city. It occurred during the French Revolutionary Wars. While not militarily significant on a wider scale, it became a symbol of Lille’s defiance.
In 1792, Austrian forces besieged Lille. The city was attacked by Albert Casimir, Duke of Teschen. For nine days and nights, the Austrians bombarded Lille. The citizens resisted fiercely. They were led by Mayor François André. Ultimately, the Austrians had to abandon the siege. They destroyed many houses. They also destroyed the main church, Saint-Etienne. It once stood on the Grand Place.
For 50 years, no monument existed to mark this event. Local authorities realized this oversight. They decided to build a memorial. The first stone was laid in September 1842. The Memorial to the benefactors of the monument Stele was finished in 1845.
Architect Charles Benvignat designed the column. Théophile Bra sculpted the statue. The statue represents the besieged city. She wears a mural crown. Locals quickly nicknamed it “The Goddess.” This name is reflected in local poems.
The Grand Place remains unique. Unlike other cities like Bruges and Brussels, it lacks a church or belfry. This is because the Saint-Etienne church was never rebuilt. The Memorial to the benefactors of the monument Stele stands where the church once stood.
Hyacinthe Jadin composed his Marche du siège de Lille in 1792. This piece came directly after the siege. It captured the spirit of the event. However, for years, no physical monument existed.
The siege, though not a major military victory, held great importance for Lille. Contemporaries exaggerated the scale of the Austrian attack. They emphasized the city’s resistance. The Memorial to the benefactors of the monument Stele became a symbol of this spirit.
The column and statue serve as a reminder. It is a reminder of Lille’s strength. It is a reminder of the citizens’ courage. It stands as a testament to their determination. Today, the Memorial to the benefactors of the monument Stele is surrounded by a fountain. This fountain has been here since around 1990.
So, as you stand here, remember the story of Lille. Remember the siege. Remember “The Goddess.” Remember the spirit of a city that refused to surrender. This memorial is a tribute to their enduring legacy.