Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Wellington quarry is a network of underground galleries dug from the Middle Ages to extract chalk, used in the construction of Arras. These quarries, forgotten in the 19th century, were rediscovered during the First World War. Their exploitation gradually ceased, but their existence persisted in the memory of the inhabitants, some accessing them from the cellars of their houses.

During World War I, these careers were redeveloped by British troops, including New Zealand engineers, to prepare a surprise offensive against German lines. Two large networks were created under the Saint-Sauveur and Ronville districts, with evocative names such as Wellington, Auckland and Glasgow. These tunnels allowed 24,000 soldiers to suddenly emerge on 9 April 1917, playing a key role in the Battle of Arras.

During the Second World War, tunnels served as an anti-aircraft shelter for the population of Arras. Few traces of this period remain, with the exception of some inscriptions and electrical installations. Today, the site is a museum open to the public since 2008, offering guided tours to discover the history of tunnelers and soldiers, as well as annual commemorations, especially for the centenary of the battle.

The museum also houses a memorial to the regiments who participated in the Battle of Arras, with a wall dedicated to New Zealand tunnelers. A work of art, Land Remembers, created by New Zealand artist Marian Fountain, was installed there in 2017. The site now attracts between 65,000 and 75,000 visitors a year, becoming a major memory site of the First World War.

Collection

Laissez vous guider par l'histoire plus de 20 mètre sous terre !!

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