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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Barre barracks, located in Saint-Martin-lez-Tatinghem near Saint-Omer, were designed in the 17th century and realized in the 18th century, marking a key milestone in the history of French military infrastructure. Their construction coincided with the attachment of Saint-Omer to France in 1678, reflecting the logistical needs of the army after this annexation. The expansion of the buildings began in 1701 with the extension of the wings from the officers' quarters, followed in 1768 by the addition of a wing at the back of the courtyard. These transformations illustrate the adaptation of barracks to military requirements, with juxtaposed cells typical of the Vauban system, optimizing the accommodation of troops and officers.

The preservation of these barracks after the dismantling of the ramparts of Saint-Omer demonstrates their ability to adapt to modern uses. Subsequent changes, such as the drilling of corridors or the transformation of stairs into water pieces, show their functional evolution. In architectural terms, the building offers a remarkable example of the transition between the sand brick (yellow to preserve its blondness) and the red brick, emblematic materials of the region. The layout of the six long buildings around a courtyard, as well as the asymmetric entrance, evoke the old courtine of the ramparts and the disappearance of the local castle, replaced by an esplanade.

Ranked Historic Monument in 2001, Barracks of the Bar include protected elements such as stairs, frames, and courtyard floor. Their imposing mass and urban orientation recall the past physiognomy of the fortified city. Today, this complex belongs in part to the municipality and state, highlighting its dual military and heritage heritage. The building is located at the corner of Rue de l'Ecu-d-Artois and Boulevard Pierre-Guillain, in an area bounded by the esplanade, still marking the urban landscape of Saint-Omer.

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