History of Leers
Leers from the German laer, extends over 540 ha. Populated with 9708 inhabitants, it is crossed by the canal of Roubaix and the Espierre river. Its name is mentioned from 1106 while the entity depends on the abbey of Hasnon.
The great characteristic of the city lies in its division in 1779
The treaty of the limits from Louis XV and Marie Thérèse of Austria imposed a border which cuts the commune. This division is confirmed in 1820 by the treaty of Courtrai. So, 2/5th of the initial territory (940 ha) is situated today in Belgium under the name of Leers Nord.
The history of the city is also marked by its industrial activity. From the 18th century, the inhabitants live on the agriculture and work the linen with the "otil", at home.
In 1870, Edouard Motte, already owner of a textile factory in Roubaix, open a weaving factory on Leers which will stop its activity in 1982.
The Motte-Bossut tower ( 1895 ) still dominates the commune and testifies of this industrial past which largely modified the demographic and social aspect of Leers.
The architectural patrimony is represented by the mill and the church.
The «white mill » - 1852
Symbol of the commune, it stop any activity in 1914 then fall in ruin.
In 1973, the municipality acquires it and organizes a referendum. 76 % of Leersois pronounce in favour of his its restoration.
Inaugurated in 1976, it since is put at the honor each year at the time of traditional Fêtes of the mill (3rd weekend of June).
the church of Leers
47 meters high the church of Leers, date of the XIIIth century.
Victim of the wars and the fires , it is restored on 4 occasions.
So, the left side aisle carries the date of 1663, year of its renovation. Weakened by time, the walls of the tower are connected in 1834 by an iron corset.
We speak since then about "bell-tower connected" to indicate the church.
Finally, the building was built in the respect for the golden section and for the symbolism of the numbers
The armorial bearings of Leers are those of the abbey of Hasnon, lord of Leers
The museum
The museum of local history, constituted only from donations, approaches various subjects: the archaeology, border and customs history, industrial and agricultural history, the world conflicts, the religion as well objects witnesses of the daily life, etc.
Opened every 1st and 3rd on Saturdays of the month its entrance is free. The visits of group are possible with appointment.
Our activities
Leers Historique proposes to its members and to the outside persons, the following activities:
- Organized exits and visits (days of the patrimony, the museums)
- Exhibitions and conferences
- Initiation with genealogy
- Research works
- Publication of studies and works
Our publications
- Leers, ma paroisse 5 euros
- Leers mon village 5 euros
- L. Demonchaux , Leers sous la seconde République 18 euros
- Leers, hier et aujourd'hui 7 euros
Plan of access
If you wish to adhere, to participate in the organized visits, to get yourselves a work, to lead historic or genealogical researches, to give or to donate objects witnesses of the past of Leers, do not hesitate to contact us.
Adress
49,rue du Maréchal Leclerc
59115 Leers
Permanance
1st and 3rd on Saturdays of the month 14h30-16h30 in the cultural space
E-mail :
contact@leershistorique.com
Leers Historique association
The board of association is composed of :
| Honorary President : | Mr Lucien Demonchaux |
| President : | Mr Guy Haquette |
| Vice-président : | Dubois Christiane |
| Vice-président : | Mme Jacqueline Willem |
| Treasurer : | Mr Jean-Marie Duvillier |
| Assistant treasurer : | Mr Marcel Florin |
| Secretary : | Mr André Willemijns |
| Assistant secretary : | Martine Glineur |
