The history of Tilloy-lès-Mofflaines spans the Église Saint-Brice, the Cour-au-Bois estate and agriculture. Parc du Manoir and the Terres en Fête fair also add nature and contemporary life to these themes. The town can thus be understood from several perspectives: sacred architecture, historical destruction, agriculture and wildlife.
Église Saint-Brice: Construction and Interior
Église Saint-Brice was built in 1616 as a new three-aisled church with a stone bell tower. Restoration of the interior began in 1848. The work included a Stations of the Cross, renovation of the side altars and the woodwork in the choir, as well as the installation of stained-glass windows. The construction and interior restoration thus took place more than two centuries apart. Those interested in church architecture can view these two phases as distinct chapters in the town’s history: first the building’s construction, then the changes to its interior.
Cour-au-Bois and the Destruction of the Town
Another historical connection is the house and estate of Mofflaines, also known as Cour-au-Bois. It belonged to the Abbey of Saint-Vaast d’Arras. Cour-au-Bois was a fortified farm owned by the abbey and was destroyed in 1654 during the siege of Arras. Spanish troops had established their headquarters there. The destruction can thus be linked to a specific context: the fortified farm, its ownership by the abbey and the siege.
The Battle of Arras began on 9 April 1917 and completed the destruction of Tilloy-lès-Mofflaines. The village was left in ruins and had been liberated by that time. The two events mark distinct turning points: Cour-au-Bois was destroyed in 1654, while the Battle of Arras in 1917 completed the destruction of the village. This distinction in time helps prevent the town’s history from being reduced to a single phase of war.
Agriculture: School and Fair
The history of agriculture also has an institutional chapter. In 1926, the agricultural school became a regional school under the direction of Léopold Malpeaux, preparing students for the national schools. It later became Campus agro-environnemental 62. The transition from regional school to the later campus adds the development of an agricultural education institution to the town’s history.
Terres en Fête offers another perspective: the major agricultural fair north of Paris takes place every two years in Tilloy-lès-Mofflaines, near Arras. It presents livestock, agricultural machinery, regional products and demonstrations to the public. While the school’s history tells of institutional development, the fair presents agricultural topics in an event setting. Dates, exhibitions and demonstrations vary with each edition, so check the dates and program for the event in question before your trip.
Nature and Practical Planning
Parc du Manoir adds a connection to nature alongside the historical and agricultural themes. A wildlife survey there documented more than 30 bird species and more than ten mammal species. This provides a specific connection to the park’s wildlife in addition to the history of the church and town.
Tilloy-lès-Mofflaines is primarily served by bus route 3. It runs twice an hour from Monday to Saturday. If you plan to take the bus, check the current timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Blendecques, Gouy-en-Ternois, Oye-Plage, Haucourt, Recques-Sur-Hem, Cambligneul, Auchy-au-Bois, Meurchin
For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
