Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Maison des Vieux Hommes, located at 49 rue de Roubaix in Lille, is the last vestige of the Saint-Charles Borromée Hospice, founded in 1624 to accommodate resourceless elderly men. This project is part of the 17th century charitable movement in Lille, initiated by a donation from Marguerite du Hot, widow of Jehan Mahieu, former member of the Magistrate. The first stone was laid on 3 July 1624 in the presence of the bishop, and successive donations allowed the establishment to be enlarged to 20 beds in 1679.

He closed in 1797 with his activities transferred to the Hospice Countesse. In the 20th century, urban works (enlargement of the rue des Canonniers, creation of the boulevard Carnot) led to the destruction of most of the building. Only two buildings remain, including the 4 Place Saint-Hubert house, restored in the 1980s. This building, made of brick and limestone, illustrates the beginnings of the Flemish Renaissance style in Lille, with bas-reliefs inspired by engravings by Jacques Franquart (1622).

Ranked a historic monument on August 18, 1944, the Old Men's House bears witness to the 17th century charitable architecture and the influence of Belgian artisans in the region. Its sandstone base, its curved arched windows adorned with prominent keys, and its carved frieze make it an early example of Lille facade ornamentation. Today, it remains a symbol of the hospital and architectural heritage of the city.

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