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Origin and history

The belfry of Bailleul, located in the northern department, is a historical monument whose origins date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Originally, it was a wooden tower used for war and then as a watchtower. In the 13th century, it was rebuilt in stone, but only the Gothic hall remains today. The belfry suffered numerous destructions due to wars and fires, with a last reconstruction in 1932 after the First World War by architect Louis Marie Cordonnier, who retained his austere pre-war appearance.

The belfry, 62 metres high, houses a carillon of 35 bells weighing more than 5,000 kg, classified as a historic monument since 1991. The entire belfry and town hall was listed as historical monuments in 2001. In 2005, he was admitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Site among the 23 French belfries. Prior to World War I, the belfry and the 16th-century town hall formed a remarkable architectural complex with the now destroyed St. Vaast Gothic Church.

The postwar reconstruction was entrusted to Louis Marie Cordonnier, who opted for a neo-Roman style, moving away from the original Gothic style. The current belfry, in yellow bricks, contrasts with the 13th century sandstone base, the only authentic vestige preserved. This reconstruction marked a turning point in the architectural history of Bailleul, erasing much of its medieval heritage.

The belfry had an initial ranking in 1875, followed by a controversial decommissioning in 1889 at the request of the city, which considered the protection constraints too heavy. After the destruction of 1914-1918, the ruins of the belfry were classified in 1922, allowing partial reconstruction. This monument today symbolizes the city's resilience and its attachment to a rebuilt heritage.

Before the war, the 16th century town hall, with its stone-crossed windows and corbelled turrets, harmoniously complemented the belfry. The two buildings formed a picturesque ensemble, immortalized by painters like Jacob Savery. The destruction of this complex in 1914-1918 marked an irreversible loss to the Flemish heritage of the region.

Bailleul's belfry, despite its transformations, remains a strong symbol of local identity. Its ranking at UNESCO in 2005 recognized its historical and cultural importance, while recalling the challenges of reconstruction and preservation of heritage in a conflict-affected region.

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