VALENCIENNES

(anc. Valentianae), fort. tn., Nord, France (50° 22’ N., 3° 25’ E.), 18 m. N.E. of Cambrai; coal mining center: manufactures iron, sugar, gla , chemicals; formerly famous for its lace; taken by the Spaniards, 1567, by Louis XIV. 1677. In World War was occupied by the Germans, Aug. 25, 1914. and after the trench warfare began became headquarters of enemy’s lines of communication on Arras front; retaken by the Canadians, Nov. 1, 1918; was frequently bombed by Allied airmen, but otherwise suffered little injury. Pop. 34,800.