How about a stroll through a place that was once a horse market? This is Rue Philippe de Girard. It stands as a testament to Lille’s ever-evolving urban landscape. This area has undergone dramatic transformations.
The story of Rue Philippe de Girard begins long ago. In the 11th century this space was part of Wazemmes. It held the village’s first church and its cemetery. The Bishop of Tournai even had a manor here. Imagine a time when this street was the heart of a small village.
Over time the Bishop’s manor fell into disrepair. It became a farm then was replaced by workers’ houses. The first church of Wazemmes was destroyed in 1792. The municipality of Wazemmes and a school were established here in the early 19th century. The impasse de la Mairie once connected this place to Rue des Stations. This area was undeveloped until the 1860s.
The major changes came after Lille annexed Wazemmes in 1858. The opening of Rue Nationale transformed the area around Rue Philippe de Girard. The formerly rounded square was made regular. Buildings were constructed along its sides. The area of the old Mairie was removed. New buildings were built. The old Bishop’s castle was demolished. Its site is now the center of the square.
It was in 1863, that Place de la Mairie was renamed Place Philippe-de-Girard. It became home to a new horse market. This market replaced an older one located at the end of Rue du Molinel. This new space allowed for the sale of domestic animals. Horses were still common at that time.
This horse market eventually faded away in the 20th century. It became obsolete. Place Philippe de Girard transformed into a public square called square Maréchal Birdwood. Today you see a square, but it once was a bustling market.
Philippe-Henri de Girard was a French engineer and inventor. He invented the first flax spinning frame in 1810. A town in Poland, Żyrardów, was named after him. He was also an uncredited inventor of food preservation using tin cans.
Born in 1775, Girard faced many challenges during the French Revolution. He had to abandon his studies to support his family. Despite these setbacks, he pursued his passion for invention. Napoleon I offered a reward for machinery that could spin flax yarn. Girard invented dry and wet spinning methods.
Though he didn’t receive the prize money, he continued to innovate. He established a spinning mill in Austria. Later, he returned to France to start a textile factory in Lille. The business struggled initially.
In 1825, Girard went to Poland to develop their textile industry. His factory in Żyrardów became a great success. In 1844, Girard returned to France. He planned to open more factories. He died the following year.
Rue Philippe de Girard stands as a reminder of Lille’s past. It honors an inventor. It marks the heart of old Wazemmes. It also tells a story of constant change. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet.