France has a rich industrial heritage, and among its many treasures, the Centre Historique Minier de Lewarde holds a special place. Located in the town of Lewarde in the Hauts-de-France region, the Delloye forgery offers visitors a fascinating journey through the history of coal mining in France.
The history of the mine
Mining of the Delloye pit, owned by Compagnie des Mines d’Aniches, began in 1931, at a time when coal mining was an essential part of France’s industrial landscape. The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region was then known for its vast coal deposits, and Lewarde, with its large reserves, quickly gained in importance. The Lewarde mine wasone of the last major coal mines to open in northern France. It was designed to be at the cutting edge of technology at the time, with modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. This initial investment enabled the Lewarde mine to produce millions of tons of coal throughout its history, supplying factories and homes across the country. At its peak, the mine employed thousands of people, making it a mainstay of the local economy. Miners and their families formed a close-knit community, sharing the triumphs and challenges of life in the mining industry. The “corons”, the typical houses of northern mining towns, bear witness to this era when coal was king. However, from the 1960s onwards, the coal industry began to decline in France, as in many other European countries. The transition to other, cleaner and more efficient forms of energy led to the gradual closure of coal mines. The Lewarde mine was not spared this change, and its operation ceased in 1971, marking the end of an era.
In 1984, the pit was transformed into the Centre Historique Minier. This space is now dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of coal mining in France. It offers visitors a unique window on the past, with exhibitions on the lives of miners, the evolution of mining techniques and the impact of the mining industry on the region and the country as a whole.
Reconstruction of the mine, Lewarde historic mining center
Lewarde Mining History Center
Today, the Centre Historique Minier de Lewarde is the largest mining museum in France and Europe. It offers a variety of exhibits and activities for all ages, including guided tours of the old mine and interactive exhibits on the history of coal mining. Visitors can explore the mine buildings, which have been preserved and restored to reflect their original state. They can also discover the machines and tools used to extract coal, as well as the working conditions of the miners.
Educational and Interactive Exhibitions
The museum offers a wide range of exhibits covering the different facets of mining. They tell the story of the Lewarde mine, from its creation to its closure, through the evolution of mining techniques and miners’ working conditions. The exhibits are designed to be both educational and interactive, with explanatory panels, period artifacts, models, films and demonstrations.
Guided tours of the mine
One of the highlights of the Centre Historique Minier is undoubtedly the guided tours of the mine. Led by former miners, visitors are invited to descend into the depths of the earth to discover the coal extraction process. The tour retraces the various stages of coal production, from extraction in the galleries to sorting and washing the coal on the surface.
A preserved architectural heritage
The Centre Historique Minier has made a considerable effort to preserve and restore the mine buildings to their original state. Visitors can explore the various buildings, including the engine house, lamp house, showers, hanging room where miners hung their clothes, and the headframe, a structure emblematic of mining. In addition to these buildings, the museum displays an impressive collection of period machinery and tools, giving an insight into the working conditions of miners and the technological evolution of the mining industry. These include miners’ lamps, mining tools, mine wagons, helmets, work clothes and much more. In 2012, the Nord-Pas de Calais mining basin, including the Lewarde mine, was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This recognition highlights the importance of the mining industry to the region’s history and development, as well as the preservation efforts undertaken by the Centre Historique Minier de Lewarde.
The room of the hanged men, Lewarde Mining History Centre
Today, the Lewarde mine is a symbol of France’s mining history, a reminder of a time when coal was at the heart of the country’s economy, and a testament to the ingenuity and courage of the miners who worked its depths.
Geographical location of the mine
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