Vieil-Hesdin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vieil-Hesdin
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The church of Vieil-Hesdin
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 Vieil-Hesdin
Location in France
Vieil-Hesdin
Location in Hauts-de-France
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| Country | France |
| Region | Hauts-de-France |
| Department | Pas-de-Calais |
| Arrondissement | Montreuil |
| Canton | Auxi-le-Château |
| Intercommunality | CC des 7 Vallées |
| Area
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9.82 km2 (3.79 sq mi) |
| Population
(2021)
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342 |
| • Density | 34.83/km2 (90.20/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| INSEE/Postal code |
62850 /62770
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| Elevation | 31–125 m (102–410 ft) (avg. 37 m or 121 ft) |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
Vieil-Hesdin (pronounced "vee-ay eh-dan") is a small town, also called a commune, located in the Pas-de-Calais area of France. It is part of the Hauts-de-France region. Its name means "Old Hesdin" in French.
Contents
Where is Vieil-Hesdin Located?
Vieil-Hesdin is found about 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) southeast of a town called Hesdin. It sits right on the banks of the Canche river. You can find it along the D 340 highway.
A Look Back at Vieil-Hesdin's History
Vieil-Hesdin was once a very important and busy town in the Middle Ages. Back then, it was simply known as Hesdin. Its location in the middle of the Artois region, which was once part of the Spanish Netherlands, made it a target for many battles.
Why Was Old Hesdin Destroyed?
From 1471 until its complete destruction in 1553, the town faced many attacks. It was often surrounded and raided. This happened because of ongoing fights between the Kings of France, the Holy Roman Empire, King Henry VIII of England, and various French nobles.
The end for old Hesdin came in 1553. Emperor Charles V led a huge army of 60,000 soldiers. They had already caused a lot of damage in other cities. Charles V ordered Hesdin and its castle to be completely destroyed.
The Demolition of the Town
About a month later, the destruction was complete. Only the local convent and its chapel were saved. The rest of the town was gone.
A few months after that, the materials from the ruined town were used to build a new city. This new city was built 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) downstream, in a village then called Maisnil. This new town was first named Hesdin-fert, then Hesdin-fort, and eventually became the modern town of Hesdin. The ruined original town then became known as Vieil-Hesdin, meaning "Old Hesdin."
How Many People Live in Vieil-Hesdin?
The number of people living in Vieil-Hesdin has changed over the years. Here's a quick look at its population:
- In 1968, there were 338 people.
- By 1975, the population grew to 371.
- In 1982, it was 362.
- In both 1990 and 1999, the population stayed at 364.
- In 2007, it slightly increased to 367.
- By 2012, there were 375 residents.
- In 2017, the population was 356.
- The most recent count in 2021 showed 342 people.
Important Buildings and Landmarks
Vieil-Hesdin has a few interesting historical places:
- Château d'Estruval: This is a large country house built between the 18th and 19th centuries.
- The Former Convent of the Black Nuns: This old convent is now a château (a type of French castle or large country house). Its front, roof, and cloisters (covered walkways) are protected by law since 1981. The garden walls and other buildings, including two pigeon houses, are also protected since 1993.
