Construction of silos 1ère moitié du XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Construction of the underground and aerial assembly.
28 octobre 2003
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 28 octobre 2003 (≈ 2003)
Official protection of silos and remains.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The underground silos called Les Poires, located under the esplanade of the Marshal-Leclerc and under the municipal road, with their access through the staircase located in the garage of the house Sise 5, esplanade of the Marshal-Leclerc, as well as the remains not yet discovered (Box AO 168; AR 28): classification by decree of 28 October 2003
Origin and history
The wheat silos called 'Les Poires' are a historical monument in Ardres, in the Hauts-de-France, dating from the first half of the 16th century. Originally, this innovative structure consisted of three levels: a grain hall on the surface, three rows of pear-shaped silos for the storage of wheat, and below, three parallel galleries equipped with vaulted hoppers. The system enabled grain to be recovered via a ramp and well, illustrating advanced engineering for the time.
Today, there are three vaulted galleries and a pear-shaped silo, remains of this brick-built ensemble. Classified Historic Monument by decree of 28 October 2003, these underground silos are located under the Marshal-Leclerc planade and the communal road. Their access is via a staircase located in the garage of a adjoining house, while any remains not yet discovered could complete this heritage.
The partial conservation of this monument bears witness to medieval agricultural storage techniques and their adaptation to local needs. Although the accuracy of their location is considered poor (note 5/10), their historical and architectural value remains indisputable. These silos reflect the strategic importance of wheat in the rural economy of the Hauts-de-France in the 16th century, as well as the collective organisation around its management.
