Arras’ Cathedral
Arras Cathedral is regarded as one of the most important French religious constructions of the XVIII century.
Its dimensions are significant: 104 metres long and 26 metres wide. The nave is located under a vault, at more than 30 metres height.
5 responses so far
5 Responses to “Arras’ Cathedral”
I have been trying to contact the Dean (or equivalent) of Arras Cathedral for some time but without any success. I Have in my possession at this moment two brass candle sticks about 10 inches tall which my late father in law (who was involved in the battle of Arras during 1917) retrieved while walking with his brother though the ruins of the Cathedral during a lull in the fighting and shelling. After the war it was his intention that these candle sticks should be returned to Arras but unfortunately he was unable to carry out this task, and it is now the wish of my wife and I to try to return the candle sticks to the Cathedral early next year, that is if you would like them to be returned to you.
Hugh Butler.
Hi Hugh,
This is a very interesting story! Well, I think you should rather contact the Arras Tourist Office instead. They speak English and they will be able to help you :
Phone : +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95
Fax : +33 (0)3 21 71 07 34
Email : contact@explorearras.com
I am sure they are going to help you.
Best wishes,
Emilie
Thanks Emilie for getting back to me but so far the only reply I have had to both this reply board and an Email to explorearras has been the one which you sent to me, and I thank you for doing so.
As nobody seems interested in the return of these candle sticks to their rightful home in Arras Cathedral I shall take them to my local parish Church who I am sure can find a use for them.
Hugh Butler.
Dear Hugh; I would not give up. There is a law in France which separates the maintenance of churches from the governance of the church (religious organization). It may be that this is a problem. I would contact the Canadian govt. war department (Veterans Affairs) which has responsibility for material items related to the wars in Europe. They are, for example, responsible for maintenance of sites, including property related to the wars. They will have the diplomatic relations necessary to contact the appropriate people to return the candle sticks. It is a very important part of the ongoing reconciliation of peace that the descendents of those who fought or were affected by the wars are reaching out to correct small and large errors of the war. there are many examples in France of these gestures and they are helping to knit the countries and nations back together. Don’t give up. And, having said that, you have inspired me to carry on with my small mission which is to thank the people of Dilsen, Belgium, for caring for my uncle’s burial when his bomber was shot down.
Hugh, please dont give up!!! My ancestors are from Artois and our heritage has been decimated by the french and then the two world wars. Every precious item is to be treasure.