Table of Contents
What does the French word Calais mean?
(ˈkæleɪ; French kalɛ) n. (Placename) a port in N France, on the Strait of Dover: the nearest French port to England; belonged to England 1347–1558.
What is Calais France known for?
Calais grew into a thriving centre for wool production, and came to be called the “brightest jewel in the English crown” owing to its great importance as the gateway for the tin, lead, lace and wool trades (or “staples”). Calais remained under English control until its capture by France in 1558.
Is Calais in England or France?
Calais, industrial seaport on the Strait of Dover, Pas-de-Calais département, Hauts-de-France région, northern France, 21 miles (34 km) by sea from Dover (the shortest crossing from England).
Was Calais sacrificed for Dunkirk?
In 1949, Churchill wrote that the defence of Calais delayed the German attack on Dunkirk, helping to save the 300,000 soldiers of the BEF, a claim that Guderian contradicted in 1951….Siege of Calais (1940)
| Date | 22–26 May 1940 |
|---|---|
| Location | Calais, France 50°57′22″N 1°50′29″ECoordinates: 50°57′22″N 1°50′29″E |
| Result | German victory |
What’s the meaning of Dover?
Dover in British English (ˈdəʊvə ) noun. a port in SE England, in E Kent on the Strait of Dover: the only one of the Cinque Ports that is still important; a stronghold since ancient times and Caesar’s first point of attack in the invasion of Britain (55 bc).
What does PAS mean in Pas de Calais?
Etymology. From Pas de Calais (“Dover Strait”), itself from pas (“pass, strait”) + de (“of”) + Calais.
What language do they speak in Calais?
| French Flemish | |
|---|---|
| Native to | France |
| Region | Nord-Pas-de-Calais: Dunkirk, Bourbourg, Calais, Saint-Omer and Bailleul |
| Native speakers | 20,000 full speakers or 50,000 with varying proficiency – 60,000 (1999) (1999) |
| Language family | Indo-European Germanic West Germanic Istvaeonic Low Franconian Dutch West Flemish French Flemish |
What is the Chunnel or Channel Tunnel?
The Channel Tunnel (often called the ‘Chunnel’ for short) is an undersea tunnel linking southern England and northern France. It is operated by the company Getlink, who also run a railway shuttle (Le Shuttle) between Folkestone and Calais, carrying passengers in cars, vans and other vehicles.
Did they speak English in Calais?
While English, the province was democratically represented in the Parliament of England by members elected by the free Calais constituency. Historically part of Flanders, the Pale was bilingual: English and Flemish were commonly spoken.
How many British soldiers died in Calais?
300 British troops died
The heroic defence of Calais was at an end. During the action 300 British troops died (200 of which were Green Jackets) and 700 were wounded. Those who survived were sent to Prisoner-of-War camps, where many spent the next 5 years.
What does Dover mean in Latin?
port in Kent, Old English Dofras (c. 700), from Latin Dubris (4c.), from British Celtic *Dubras “the waters.” Named for the stream that flows nearby.
What is the flag of the region of Calais?
“RÉGION / NORD / PAS DE CALAIS” is written in blue letters in the lower right corner of the emblem. The “renovated” flag of the Region is white with the logo in the middle and an orange vertical stripe placed along the hoist.
Why was Calais important to the English Crown?
Calais grew into a thriving centre for wool production, and came to be called the “brightest jewel in the English crown” owing to its great importance as the gateway for the tin, lead, lace and wool trades (or “staples”). Calais remained under English control until its capture by France in 1558.
Where is Calais located in the English Channel?
Calais is located on the Pas de Calais, which marks the boundary between the English Channel and North Sea and located at the opposite end of the Channel Tunnel, 34 kilometres (21 miles) from Dover. On a clear day the White cliffs of Dover can be viewed across the channel.
Where are the belfries of the Pas de Calais?
The registered belfries of Region Nord-Pas de Calais are located in Armentières, Bailleul, Bergues, Cambrai, Douai, Dunkirk (2), Gravelines, Lille and Loos (Department of Nord ), and Aire-sur-la-Lys, Arras, Béthune, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Calais and Hesdin (Pas-de-Calais). Another six belfries are located in Region Picardie (Department of Somme ).