Lille Before and During the War

by Pneu Michelin

THE OCCUPATION: PARADE OF GERMAN SOLDIERS IN THE GRANDE PLACE

Left: Column commemorating 1792; right: Corner of the Bourse.

The Grande Place

In the centre of the Square is a fluted Granite Column by Benvignat, erected in 1848 to commemorate the Siege of Lille in 1792. At the top is a statue of Jeanne Maillotte holding a lighted torch in her hand. During the siege of the town in 1792, she crossed the enemy lines and set fire to the Austrian batteries which were shelling the town. The name of this heroic woman was given to one of the streets, in which a later hero, M. Eugène Jacquet, lived (see p. [44]). The inhabitants have surnamed the statue "The Goddess."

THE DELIVERANCE: ENTRY OF THE 5TH BRITISH ARMY INTO LILLE

In front the "Goddess" statue (left) and the Theatre (behind the Bourse).

See itinerary, p. [25]