Doullens
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Commune of Doullens | |
| Location | |
| Longitude | 02° 20' 29" E |
| Latitude | 50° 09' 27" N |
| Administration | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Picardie |
| Department | Somme |
| Arrondissement | Amiens |
| Canton | Doullens |
| Mayor | Christian Vlaeminck (2001-2008) |
| Statistics | |
| Altitude | 52 m–152 m (avg. 64 m) |
| Land area¹ | 33.4 km² |
| Population² (1999) |
6,279 |
| - Density (1999) | 187/km² |
| Miscellaneous | |
| INSEE/Postal code | 80253/ 80600 |
| ¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 mi² or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
| ² Population sans doubles comptes: single count of residents of multiple communes (e.g. students and military personnel). | |
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Doullens is a commune of the Somme département, in France. It lies at the centre of this map, at 02°20'29"E 50°09'27"N.
[edit] History
Doullens, the ancient Dulincum, was seat of a viscountship and an important stronghold in the Middle Ages. In 1475 it was burnt by Louis XI for openly siding with the Duke of Burgundy. In 1595 it was besieged and occupied by the Spaniards, but was restored to France by the Peace of Vervins (1598).
[edit] Sites and monuments
Doullens has a citadel of the 15th and 16th centuries which has often served as a state prison, and later, a reformatory for girls. There are also a belfry of the 17th century and two old churches.
When Victor Hugo saw the Citadel in August 1837, the famous writer said, "I don't like citadels!"
