Mairie de Fréthun
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While the Fréthun town hall impresses with its character and elegance, it conceals within its walls a unique human saga. Long known as the Becquet de Cocove Foundation, this building was not intended for administration, but for charitable purposes.
Mairie de Fréthun
67 Rue de la Mairie - 62185 FRETHUN
Phone Number
+33 3 21 85 28 65
Website
www.frethun.fr
A noble lady's wish
In 1862, Madame de Cocove, driven by a desire to protect the most vulnerable, bequeathed her estate to create a refuge. Her mission? To welcome widows of French artillery officers and provide an education for the young girls of the village. Thanks to the support of Cornélie Podevin, whose portrait still symbolically watches over the site, the Foundation was established. Under the guidance of nuns, life at the Foundation followed an unchanging rhythm. The residents found a haven of peace where everything was taken care of: shared meals, medical care, and structured walks. It was a community whose reputation for excellence extended far beyond the Calais region.
Resilient witness to the Great Wars
The Foundation's history also demonstrates resilience in the face of the upheavals of the 20th century:
1914-1918: It was transformed into a military hospital
1939-1945: Occupied in turn by the French air force, English troops, then requisitioned by German forces, it also accommodated 150 Belgian refugees.
Post-war: It served as a military hospital until 1948 before returning to its original purpose.
In 1970, the building was given to the municipality of Fréthun to become the Town Hall. Today, the name of the "Becquet de Cocove Foundation" can still be read on the marble pediment.
