Roncq

On the Franco-Belgian border, a mere stone’s throw from Lille, lies Roncq. First mentioned in 1055, when a certain Roncquart de Roncq joined King Henry I’s forces against the Saxons, Roncq has a long and storied past. The oldest document officially naming Roncq, however, dates back to the early 12th century. Roncq officially became a town in 1884, boasting over 5,000 residents. Even then, the town was divided into two distinct hubs, centered around the Saint-Piat Church in Centre-Bourg and Saint-Roch Church in Blanc-Four. Roncq’s identity shifted dramatically during the 19th century. Agriculture gave way to industry, attracting a wave of immigrants, primarily from Belgium. At one point, Belgian immigrants even outnumbered the native Roncquois! Flax cultivation was at the heart of this industrial boom. It fueled flax mills, cloth weaving, and linen production. Though these industries are now gone, their legacy remains woven into Roncq’s urban layout, heritage, and architecture. Since 1972, the A22 urban highway further spurred Roncq’s development, ushering in new businesses, transportation hubs, advanced industries, and services. Roncq is also a town of castles. The Château des Tilleuls, built in 1859 by the Dupont family, flax spinners, stands as a testament to this rich past. This elegant mansion, with its asymmetrical façade reflecting its evolving history, was acquired in 1903 by Désiré Leurent-Hassebrouck, a local industrialist. Expanded in 1920 to accommodate the growing Leurent family, also flax spinners, the Château des Tilleuls became municipal property in 1976. Today, it proudly serves as Roncq’s town hall. Nearby stands Château Verhaeghe. Originally built in 1775, it was replaced in 1907 by the regionalist-style building we see today. Ravaged by fire in 1940 while housing German soldiers, it was later restored and became city property in 1974. It now houses various municipal services. The Anciennes Écuries, the former stables, also tell a tale of Roncq’s past. Built in the early 20th century by a horse-loving owner, they now host town council meetings, civil wedding ceremonies, and cultural events. Roncq’s story is one of transformation. From a small village mentioned in medieval texts to a thriving town shaped by industry and immigration, Roncq stands as a fascinating blend of old and new.