Bouchain

Bouchain is a commune with 4024 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011 ) in the department of Nord, in the Nord -Pas -de -Calais. It belongs to the district Valenciennes and Canton Bouchain.

Geography

The village lies on the canalised Scheldt, which was developed for the large ships. In the municipality the rivers Sensée and the Scheldt open even in the ship channel.

History

(Formerly called Bulcinum, Bilcinius, Bolcen, Bochanium, Boucain, Bouchin and Bouchaing ) Bouchain is first mentioned in 899, when King Charles III. donated it to the monastery of Saint- Amand. Later Bouchain belonged to the Counts of Ostervant that made Bouchain to a castle rule for 76 villages; In the Middle Ages the city was expanded into a fortress on the border between France and the Holy Roman Empire.

Demographics

Attractions

  • The Tour d' Ostrevant from the 12th century

Personalities

  • Wilhelm II of Bavaria (1365-1417), Duke of Straubing -Holland, died in Bouchain
  • Pierre -Charles de Villedeuil Laurent (1742-1828), royal finance minister under Louis XVI. , Born in Bouchain

Staädtepartnerschaften

Arrondissement Arrondissement of Valenciennes Cantons of France Postal codes in France Saint-Amand Abbey INSEE William II, Duke of Bavaria
140511
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