Bouchain

History and description

A town founded in the 7th century where the Escaut and Sensée rivers meet, Bouchain has had ramparts since the 12th century. It is divided into two main parts: a lower town defended by a moat and a fortified raised town, which is equipped, thanks to Baudouin IV of Hainaut, with a keep, the tower of Ostrevent, dating from 1164. The first modern constructions took shape under Charles Quint, who added four orillon bastions at the upper town in 1532; six years after the town had been taken by the Dutch. The medieval defence system employing water was also improved at the same time.
In 1676, the town was taken by France. Vauban then included it in the Pré Carré. He improved the outside and the flood defences, remodelled the medieval keep and constructed a barracks and a powder keg. In 1682, he recommended downgrading Bouchain, considering it of no use. However, he published a second blueprint in 1691. The value of this second project was amply demonstrated in 1712 when the town was besieged and taken by the Duke of Marlborough, during the war of Succession of Spain, only to be retaken by France the following year. The earth front of the upper town was equipped with a counterscarp gallery for back fire and countermines. A supplementary casemate was constructed in the 19th century.