How about we step back in time within Meurchin? This French commune resides in the Pas-de-Calais department. It is part of the Hauts-de-France region. Meurchin’s story whispers through centuries. Its residents are called Meurchinois.
Meurchin is part of the Communauté d’agglomération de Lens-Liévin. Let’s explore its past. This commune lies in the Bassin Minier. It’s near the Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Meurchin is west of Carvin. It is also north of Lens. Lille is to the northeast. Imagine life here centuries ago.
Meurchin covers a small area. It measures only 4.64 square kilometers. The altitude varies. It ranges from 17 to 45 meters. The navigable canal de la Deûle flows through. This canal stretches for 58.75 kilometers. A nautical base sits on the canal. Picture boats gliding along the water.
The flot de Wingles amont joins the canal here. This stream flows for 6.75 kilometers. Meurchin also has fishing ponds. Marshes line the canal. These natural elements add charm to Meurchin.
The climate is oceanic. It is a degraded type. Data from 1971 to 2000 shows this. The average annual temperature is 10.5 degrees Celsius. Rainfall averages 693 mm per year.
Meurchin has interesting ecological zones. The terril and marais de Wingles form one zone. Another is the basse vallée de la Deûle. These areas support various species.
In 2022, Meurchin was categorized as a ceinture urbaine. It’s part of the unité urbaine de Béthune. This is an inter-departmental area. Meurchin is a suburb. The aire d’attraction de Lille includes Meurchin.
The land use is mainly agricultural. Arable land dominates. Urban areas also take up a significant portion. Forests and bodies of water add variety.
The Meurchin train station is on the Lens to Don-Sainghin line. TER Hauts-de-France trains stop here. They run between Lens and Don-Sainghin. Some go to Lille-Flandres.
Meurchin’s name evolved over time. Early forms include Marchein and Marcheium. It became Meurchin around 1169. Ernest Nègre suggests a Germanic origin. It may derive from Marcuinus plus heim meaning home.
Meurchin’s history dates back to prehistoric times. Discoveries prove early settlement. Alexandre le Blancq I was a lord of Meurchin. He was a rewart of Lille. He collected books and medals.
In 1613, Alexandre le Blancq II became a knight. Robert Huvino became a lord of Meurchin later. Pierre Robert Martin Huvino also held the title. Robert Joseph Alexandre Huvino was the last lord.
Pierre François de Robespierre came from Meurchin. He was a cousin of Maximilien de Robespierre. He signed the cahier de doléances. He later became mayor.
Coal discovery transformed Meurchin into a mining town. The mines were later linked to Lens. The railway arrived in 1878. The Meurchin station opened.
Meurchin is in the arrondissement of Lens. It belongs to the communauté d’agglomération de Lens-Liévin. The town is part of the canton of Wingles. It falls within the twelfth circonscription of Pas-de-Calais.
Frédéric Alloï became mayor in 2020. Pierre François de Robespierre was mayor during the Revolution.
The town shares some facilities with Bauvin. These include the médiathèque l’Artchipel. They also share sports facilities.
The people are called Meurchinois. Locals have the nickname “chés pucheux d’Meurchin.” It refers to “the flea bags of Meurchin”. This may relate to youth putting their pants in socks during fights after dances.
In 2022, Meurchin had 3,715 residents. The population has changed over time.
Sites include the German military cemetery. There is also a war memorial. The étang communal de Meurchin is a notable feature. The étang de la Briquette and its woods are attractive. The stade des Ormeaux is a sports venue.
Jacques Fleury a deputy attended primary school in Meurchin.
Meurchin’s blazon features gold and azure bands. A gold quarter has a black lion. Meurchin a small place with a long story.