| Main
city : Arras
capital of Pas-de-Calais dept.,
and historic capital of Artois, N France, on the canalized Scarpe River. It is a
communications, farm, and industrial center, with oil works and factories making
machinery, metal products, and esparto goods. Of Gallo-Roman origin, it became an
episcopal see c.500. It was granted (1180) a commercial charter by the crown and enjoyed
international importance in banking and trade. By the 14th cent. it had become a center of
wealth and culture, renowned particularly for tapestry. It was nearly destroyed during the
wars between Burgundy and France (15th cent.), which ended with the Treaty of Arras
(1435). Occupied (1492) by the Spaniards, Arras was conquered (1630) by the French; French
possession was confirmed (1659) in the Peace of the Pyrenees. Heavy bombardments in World
War I destroyed much of the town, and it was further damaged in World War II. Nevertheless
it retains much of its old Spanish-Flemish flavor. The town square, bordered by
17th-century buildings, forms a notable ensemble of Flemish architecture. The damaged town
hall (16th cent.) and the Abbey of St. Vaast (18th cent.; now housing a museum) have been
restored. The house where Robespierre was born still stands. A school of agriculture is
there.
|
