Calais history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Calais is rooted in the early Middle Ages. Originally, a small fishing village was located here on the coast of the English Channel. The transformation of this modest settlement into a significant city began at the end of the 10th century.

A significant milestone is the year 997, when Baldwin IV, Count of Flanders, recognized the potential of the harbor and ordered the construction of the first serious fortifications here. In historical chronicles, the name "Calais" begins to appear steadily in the 12th century, definitively attaching itself to the growing port.

Key Factors of Establishment

The rapid development of the city was driven by a unique combination of natural and political circumstances:

• Geographical proximity to England: Calais is located at the narrowest part of the channel (Strait of Dover). The distance to the English coast is only about 34 kilometers, making the city the main transit point between the continent and the island.
• Engineering development: In the 13th century, Count Philip Hurepel significantly modernized the city by building powerful stone walls and a castle, which raised the status of Calais as a protected center.
• Trade logistics: The city became a natural hub for the transport of goods, linking the wealthy markets of Flanders with England and the rest of France.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic foundation of early Calais was formed around the sea. The primary occupation of the inhabitants was initially herring fishing, but over time the city turned into a major commercial center. The trade in wool and cloth played a special role, attracting merchants from various regions.

The cultural environment of the city was international from the very beginning, thanks to the constant flow of travelers and traders crossing the channel. This formed the special character of Calais as both a fortress city and the open maritime gateway to Europe.

Major Milestones in the History of Calais

• 997 — Count of Flanders Baldwin IV begins the construction of the first significant fortifications, laying the foundation for the port's development.
• 1224 — Philip Hurepel erects a powerful castle and stone walls, turning the settlement into an important fortress.
• 1347 — The city comes under the control of the English Crown, becoming England's key trade and military outpost on the continent for two centuries.
• 1558 — French troops under the command of Duke François de Guise finally return the city to France.
• 1816 — Smugglers from Nottingham bring the first tulle machines, launching the famous lace-making industry in Calais.
• 1848 — Opening of the railway line connecting the port with Paris, which contributed to the growth of trade and passenger traffic.
• 1885 — Official merger of the historical center of Calais and the industrial suburb of Saint-Pierre into a single administrative unit.
• 1895 — Auguste Rodin's famous monument "The Burghers of Calais" is solemnly unveiled in Richelieu Park.
• 1925 — Completion of the monumental Town Hall with its belfry, which is today included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• 1994 — The opening of the Eurotunnel (Channel Tunnel) under the English Channel, directly linking the region with Folkestone in the UK.
• 2009 — The International City of Lace and Fashion opens, becoming the main cultural center dedicated to the textile traditions of the region.
• 2019 — Launch of a large-scale project to renovate the seafront and the appearance of the giant mechanical Dragon of Calais.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of Calais is a fascinating journey of transformation from a stern military citadel to a modern European crossroads. For a long time, the city's development was defined by its status as a strategic outpost. During the period of English rule, it was turned into a powerful fortress serving as the "key to France" and the main point for wool exports. Defensive structures and the closed nature of the settlement dictated the way of life for centuries, where trade was inextricably linked with military presence.

A real turning point came with the arrival of the Industrial Revolution and the birth of the lace industry. The introduction of machine tulle technologies did not just make Calais the world capital of lace, but also changed its structure. A crucial qualitative leap was the unification of the old historical center with the industrial suburb of Saint-Pierre. This merger gave the city its current administrative appearance and the majestic Town Hall, symbolizing the transition from scattered districts to a single urban organism.

A special place in the city's biography is occupied by post-war reconstruction. The Second World War dealt a crushing blow to historical buildings, destroying most of them. The restoration in the mid-20th century inevitably formed a completely new urban environment: cramped medieval quarters were replaced by wide avenues, open spaces, and modern architecture. This forever changed the atmosphere of Calais, making it more spacious and functional.

Today, the city is undergoing another stage of evolution, turning from a purely logistical node into a tourist center. While the opening of the Channel Tunnel secured its status as a major transport hub, modern projects to revitalize the embankment and create cultural objects are changing how travelers perceive Calais. The city is actively shedding its image as a transit zone, creating comfortable public spaces for leisure and walks by the sea.

Architectural Appearance: From Fortress to Modern City

The architecture of Calais is a complex mosaic in which traces of medieval military power intertwine with the industrial grandeur of the 19th century and large-scale post-war reconstruction. Due to severe destruction during the Second World War, the city lost a significant part of its ancient buildings, but the surviving monuments vividly illustrate the key stages of its development.

The Middle Ages and English Influence (13th–16th Centuries)

During this period, Calais was formed as a fortress city. The architecture was strictly defensive in nature, and the prolonged English presence left a unique mark uncharacteristic of the rest of France.

• Watchtower (Tour du Guet): One of the oldest buildings in the city (13th century). This massive structure, 39 meters high, served as a lighthouse and observation point. The style is military Gothic, distinguished by austerity and functionality.
• Notre-Dame Church: A unique example of an architectural hybrid. Construction took place in the 13th–14th centuries, and the building combines features of Flemish architecture with English Perpendicular Gothic (Tudor style). It is the only church in France built in a purely English style.

Military Engineering (17th Century)

After the return of Calais to the French Crown, the city was modernized to protect the kingdom's borders. The main style became classicism in fortification.

• Citadel of Calais: Built on the ruins of a medieval castle. Later, the fortifications were improved by the famous engineer Vauban. This is a classic example of a bastion system with geometrically regular shapes, moats, and curtain walls.
• Fort Risban: Guarded the entrance to the harbor. Repeatedly rebuilt, it retained the stern appearance of a military structure designed to withstand attacks from the sea.

Industrial Flourishing and Eclecticism (19th – Early 20th Century)

The "Golden Age" of lace-making led to the rapid development of the Saint-Pierre district. In 1885, it merged with old Calais, which gave impetus to the creation of new administrative and cultural landmarks. Historicism and eclecticism prevailed in architecture.

• Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville): The most recognizable building in the city, completed in 1925. Built in the style of Neo-Flemish Renaissance. Characteristic features: use of red brick and white stone, a high 75-meter belfry tower (listed by UNESCO), rich decoration, and monumentality symbolizing the unification of the city.
• Calais Theatre: An example of Neo-Baroque and 19th-century Classicism, demonstrating the wealth of the bourgeoisie of that time.

Post-War Modernism and Reconstruction (1945–1960s)

The Calais-Nord district (historical center) was practically wiped off the face of the earth by bombings. Its restoration was carried out in the spirit of regional modernism.

• New Center Development: Architects strove to preserve the spirit of the region, using traditional red brick but in modern geometric forms. Streets became wider, and the layout more rational and open, unlike the cramped medieval quarters.

Modern Architecture and Revitalization (21st Century)

In recent decades, Calais has been transforming industrial zones into cultural spaces, using elements of modern high-tech architecture and loft styling.

• City of Lace and Fashion (Cité de la Dentelle): A vivid example of adapting industrial heritage. The museum is located in the building of a former 19th-century lace factory (industrial brick architecture), complemented by a modern glass façade with a screen-printed pattern resembling lace.

Outstanding Figures in the History of Calais

The geographical position of Calais at the crossroads between Britain and continental Europe attracted a wide variety of people here: from great conquerors and resistance heroes to exiles and aviation pioneers. Here are the key figures whose names are forever inscribed in the city's chronicles.

• Eustache de Saint Pierre
  Leader of the burghers, symbol of self-sacrifice (14th century)
  The most famous figure in the city's history. In 1347, after a long English siege, he, along with five other prominent citizens, voluntarily went out to King Edward III with ropes around their necks, ready to accept execution to save the rest of the inhabitants from starvation. Their feat is immortalized in Auguste Rodin's famous sculpture "The Burghers of Calais".
• François de Guise
  Military commander and statesman (1519–1563)
  The Duke who played a decisive role in returning the city to France. In January 1558, he led a daring military operation, resulting in Calais being recaptured from the English in just a week, ending more than 200 years of foreign rule.
• Tom Souville
  Corsair and privateer (1777–1839)
  A local hero of the Napoleonic Wars, known as the "Surcouf of the North". A native of Calais, he became famous for daring attacks on British merchant ships in the English Channel, repeatedly escaped from English captivity, and became a symbol of the city's maritime courage.
• George "Beau" Brummell
  Trendsetter and dandy (1778–1840)
  The legendary English dandy, friend of the Prince Regent, and creator of the classic men's suit. Fleeing debts in London, he escaped to Calais, where he lived in exile for 14 years. It was here that he wrote his memoirs, remaining a style icon even in poverty.
• Lady Emma Hamilton
  Model and beloved of Admiral Nelson (1765–1815)
  A famous beauty of her era, whose life ended tragically in Calais. Hiding from creditors, she spent the last months of her life here and died in deep poverty. A memorial sign in her honor is installed in Richelieu Park.
• Louis Blériot
  Aviator and inventor (1872–1936)
  The man who forever changed the perception of the English Channel. On July 25, 1909, he made the first-ever flight across the channel by airplane, taking off from the outskirts of Calais and landing in Dover. This event secured the region's status as the cradle of international aviation.
• Yvonne de Gaulle
  First Lady of France (1900–1979)
  Wife of General Charles de Gaulle, born Yvonne Vendroux. She was born in Calais into a family of major industrialists who produced famous lace and biscuits. It was thanks to his marriage to Yvonne that General de Gaulle often visited this region and was even married in the local Notre-Dame church.
• Ford Madox Brown
  Painter (1821–1893)
  An outstanding English artist, close to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. He was born in Calais into the family of an English naval officer. Although his career took place in Britain, the fact of his birth in Calais underscores the city's close cultural ties with Albion.