Information
the Neuffossé Canal
In the 11th century, a defensive pit was dug between the stronghold of Saint Omer and that of Aire sur la Lys, a work urgently ordered by Baudouin de Lille, Count of Flanders to protect his territory. In the 16th century, following the plans drawn up by Vauban, it was ordered to widen it
always for defensive purposes and to make it navigable. Relaunched under Louis 1940.
The canal is bordered by the counter-ditch and the Chemin du Halage where the barges, then the horses which could be changed at the nearby farm inn, towed the barges. The motor vehicles, the first of which were put into service at the end of the 19th century, replaced them on rue du Halage
The railway line, built in the second half of the 19th century
century, from which we observe the house of the barrier guard, poured out its fists of visitors in the 1930s for the Foire aux Poulains. Today, the Véloroute greenway follows its route.
The Melde saw its course modified by the digging of the canal; in fact it extended towards the North (Melde du Nord I joining the Lys at Thiennes. Our Melde du Pas de Calais flows towards Aire, adjoining the canal. The Wittes valve, installed in the 19th century, made it possible to supply the canal, today it serves as a flood spillway.
The water mill located at No. 76 rue du cornet, used to grind grain, was equipped with a 3-valve lock, powered by the waterfall. Its capacity was 2125 quintals of wheat. Its activity ceased around 1972.
Rue du Marais recalls the presence of the old marsh or large marsh for municipal use.