Since its foundation in the 9th century, Dunkirk (which means ‘the church in the dunes’) passed under the successive domination of the Counts of Flanders, the Dukes of Burgundy, the House of Austria, the Kings of Spain and of England. It only finally became French in 1662, when Louis XIV bought the town from the English.
The Leughenaer Tower
View of the Fishermen's dock circa 1876.
Oil painting. Port Museum Collection.
The Leughenaer Tower, situated at the foot of the historic docks, recalls this distant past. It is Dunkirk's oldest monument. It was built at the beginning of the 15th century, when the town was held by the Dukes of Burgundy, to protect the town from possible English invasion. It was part of a fortified wall that was flanked by 28 towers and pierced by 8 gates.
Besides its defensive functions the Leughenaer Tower, built overlooking the channel, served as a light to guide ships into the fishing port.
Its name, which means Tower of the Liar, has given rise to a number of interpretations. One story says that it was used to lure ships onto the sandbanks so that when they ran aground they could be pillaged. Another says that the hands of the clock damaged by a high wind never told the right time.
Ceded to the port's pilots in 1754, the old tower was almost completely rebuilt in 1759. There was even another floor added in 1824 to house Dunkirk's first light which was used until 1843 when the Risban Light came into service.
Postcard. Port Museum Collection.
The city acquired the tower in 1966. Now this octagonal 28 m tower is a historical monument and home to the headquarters of the association Accueil des Villes Françaises that re-settles new arrivals to the city.
Contemporary photos: AGUR
