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Urville-Nacqueville

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Urville-Nacqueville

A Former Commune

Urville-Nacqueville was a commune located in the Manche department within the picturesque region of Normandy, in north-western France. On January 1, 2017, it was integrated into the newly formed commune of La Hague, marking a new chapter for this historic area.

Coastal Heritage

Originally situated about 1 kilometer inland, Urville-Nacqueville's development was significantly influenced by its coastal proximity. The area featured a long sandy beach, initially dotted with only a few fishing huts. This setting later evolved into a popular resort destination.

Amalgamation of Villages

The commune is an amalgamation of two distinct villages. Both faced significant damage during World War II due to Allied bombardments, with Nacqueville being particularly devastated and its church dynamited by German forces in 1944.

Historical Significance

Early Landings

Urville-Nacqueville's shores have witnessed historical military actions. Notably, it was the site of the last hostile British landing in August 1758 during the raid on Cherbourg. Earlier, in 1522, English forces had landed to pillage and lay waste to the region.

World War II Impact

The villages that formed Urville-Nacqueville suffered heavily during World War II. Allied bombardments caused extensive damage, particularly to Nacqueville. The area was also strategically important, housing a radar station and being part of the German Atlantic Wall defenses.

The coastal strip, which had been developed as a resort in the early 20th century, was heavily impacted. The original hamlet and a 'Village Normande' built for tourists were destroyed. Furthermore, the critical fuel supply line for Operation Pluto, a vital component of the D-Day landings (Operation Overlord), made landfall at Urville-Nacqueville.

Development and Growth

Following the destruction of World War II, suburban infill gradually shaped the village into its current footprint. The development of the coastal strip as a resort in the early 20th century also contributed to its character, transforming the area from its origins as a small inland village with a few fishing huts on the beach.

Points of Interest

Chateau de Nacqueville

Located to the east of the village, the Chateau de Nacqueville is a notable 16th-century estate. It is set within beautifully landscaped park grounds, offering a glimpse into the region's historical architecture and natural beauty.

Manoir du Dur Ecu

To the west lies the Manoir du Dur Ecu, another significant 16th-century structure. Originally built on the site of a Roman villa, it was later enhanced with the addition of a donjon, adding to its historical and architectural appeal.

Napoleonic Forts & Beach

The long, sandy beach is a prominent feature, bordered by a Napoleonic fort situated on a rocky promontory. Immediately above the village, another Napoleonic fort and battery command the outcrops. These fortifications, adapted by the Germans during World War II as part of the Atlantic Wall, stand as testaments to the area's strategic importance.

Heraldry

Official Arms

The heraldic arms of Urville-Nacqueville are described as follows:

Description
Gules, a leopard Or, armed and langued gules, in chief 2 gothic capital letters, U and N, Or.

1 Blazon details the symbolic representation and colors used in heraldry.

Location & Coordinates

Geographical Details

Urville-Nacqueville is situated in the Manche department of Normandy, France. It is now part of the commune of La Hague.

Coordinates: 49ยฐ40โ€ฒ29โ€ณN 1ยฐ44โ€ฒ15โ€ณW / 49.6747ยฐN 1.7375ยฐW

Elevation: Ranges from 0 to 148 meters (0 to 486 feet) above sea level, with an average of 38 meters (125 feet).

Administrative Context

Country: France

Region: Normandy

Department: Manche

Arrondissement: Cherbourg

Canton: La Hague

Current Commune: La Hague

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References

References

  1.  Arrรƒยชtรƒยฉ prรƒยฉfectoral 27 September 2016 (in French)
A full list of references for this article are available at the Urville-Nacqueville Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional geographical, historical, or architectural consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

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