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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Belcan Mill is an oil mill originally located in Linselles (North), belonging to the eighteenth century Jean-Baptiste Delbecque, an oil merchant. Sold in 1800 to Antoine Joseph Lefebvre, a farmer, it was exploited until 1910 by the Vandamme family. After its production was stopped, it was acquired in 1960 by the owner of the Underground City of Naours, who had it dismantled and rebuilt on Guet Hill in Naours.

Prior to the 17th century, mills already existed on Guet Hill in Naours, serving as both monitoring and production points. These mills disappeared during the Thirty Years' War. The Belcan Mill, rebuilt in 1960, takes on this tradition by overlooking the Underground City. It has been listed as a historical monument since 27 April 1961.

Built of wood with a pivot system, the Belcan mill was initially covered with canvases on its wings. Today, it is no longer functioning, but its exterior architecture remains visible. Its travel from the North to the Somme illustrates a desire to preserve the French industrial and rural heritage.

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