# Hesdin

> oldest commune in Pas-de-Calais, France

**Wikidata**: [Q467366](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q467366)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesdin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hesdin

## Summary
Hesdin is the oldest commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, historically significant as a long-standing municipal entity. Located in the arrondissement of Montreuil, it was part of the canton of Hesdin and served as a key administrative and transportation hub, featuring a railway station (Gare d'Hesdin). The commune was dissolved on December 31, 2024, and succeeded by Hesdin-la-Forêt as of January 1, 2025.

## Key Facts
- **Oldest Commune in Pas-de-Calais**: Recognized as the oldest commune in the Pas-de-Calais department, France.
- **Location**: Situated in the arrondissement of Montreuil, within the Pas-de-Calais department (established March 4, 1790).
- **Administrative Division**: Formerly part of the canton of Hesdin, a territorial subdivision of France.
- **Dissolution**: Officially dissolved on December 31, 2024.
- **Successor**: Replaced by the commune of Hesdin-la-Forêt on January 1, 2025.
- **Aliases**: Also known as Le Pelletier-sur-Canche.
- **Population**: Historical population figures include 2,189 (earliest recorded), peaking at 4,480, with later counts around 2,225.
- **Coordinates**: Located at latitude 50.374166666667 and longitude 2.0366666666667.
- **Transportation**: Home to Gare d'Hesdin, a railway station serving the area.
- **Sitelink Count**: 46 Wikipedia sitelinks, indicating broad recognition.

## FAQs
**What is Hesdin known for?**
Hesdin is known as the oldest commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, with a long administrative history. It was a key part of the canton of Hesdin and served as a transportation hub via its railway station, Gare d'Hesdin.

**When was Hesdin dissolved?**
Hesdin was officially dissolved on December 31, 2024, and was succeeded by the commune of Hesdin-la-Forêt on January 1, 2025.

**Where is Hesdin located?**
Hesdin is located in the arrondissement of Montreuil, within the Pas-de-Calais department of France. Its coordinates are approximately 50.374166666667 latitude and 2.0366666666667 longitude.

**What was the population of Hesdin?**
The population of Hesdin varied over time, with recorded figures including 2,189, 2,213, 2,274, and a peak of 4,480. Later counts stabilized around 2,225.

**What is the significance of Gare d'Hesdin?**
Gare d'Hesdin is a railway station located in Hesdin, serving as a critical transportation link for the commune and surrounding areas.

## Why It Matters
Hesdin matters as a historical and administrative landmark in the Pas-de-Calais department, representing the oldest commune in the region. Its dissolution and transition to Hesdin-la-Forêt mark a significant administrative shift, reflecting broader changes in local governance. As a transportation hub with Gare d'Hesdin, it played a vital role in regional connectivity, contributing to the economic and social fabric of northern France.

## Notable For
- **Oldest Commune in Pas-de-Calais**: Recognized as the oldest commune in the department, highlighting its historical significance.
- **Administrative Transition**: Dissolved in 2024 and succeeded by Hesdin-la-Forêt, marking a notable change in local governance.
- **Transportation Hub**: Home to Gare d'Hesdin, a key railway station serving the region.
- **Population Fluctuations**: Experienced significant population changes, peaking at 4,480.
- **Geographic Identity**: Located in the arrondissement of Montreuil, with distinct coordinates and regional ties.

## Body

### History and Administrative Status
Hesdin is historically significant as the oldest commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of France. It was part of the canton of Hesdin, a territorial subdivision established under France's municipal system (inception: 1789). The commune was dissolved on December 31, 2024, and succeeded by Hesdin-la-Forêt on January 1, 2025, reflecting administrative restructuring in the region.

### Location and Geography
Hesdin is located in the arrondissement of Montreuil, within the Pas-de-Calais department, which was established on March 4, 1790. The commune's coordinates are 50.374166666667 latitude and 2.0366666666667 longitude. It is also known by the alias Le Pelletier-sur-Canche.

### Population and Demographics
The population of Hesdin has varied over time, with recorded figures including:
- 2,189 (earliest recorded)
- 2,182
- 2,213
- 2,274
- 2,225 (multiple records)
- 4,480 (peak population)

### Transportation and Infrastructure
Hesdin is home to Gare d'Hesdin, a railway station that served as a critical transportation link for the commune and surrounding areas. The station facilitated regional connectivity and contributed to the economic and social development of the area.

### Administrative Relationships
- **Pas-de-Calais Department**: Hesdin was part of this department, established in 1790.
- **Arrondissement of Montreuil**: The commune was located within this arrondissement.
- **Canton of Hesdin**: Hesdin was a key part of this canton, a territorial subdivision of France.
- **Hesdin-la-Forêt**: The successor commune that replaced Hesdin upon its dissolution in 2024.

### Dissolution and Succession
Hesdin was officially dissolved on December 31, 2024, and succeeded by Hesdin-la-Forêt on January 1, 2025. This transition marks a significant administrative change, reflecting broader shifts in local governance and territorial organization in the Pas-de-Calais department.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
As the oldest commune in Pas-de-Calais, Hesdin holds cultural and historical importance. Its long-standing presence and administrative role contribute to the regional identity and heritage of northern France. The dissolution of Hesdin and the establishment of Hesdin-la-Forêt represent a new chapter in the area's history, blending tradition with modern governance structures.

## References

1. [Compte rendu du Conseil des ministres du 21 août 2019. Mesures d'ordre individuel. 2019](https://www.gouvernement.fr/conseil-des-ministres/2019-08-21/mesures-d-ordre-individuel)
2. [Mais pourquoi donc Patrick Balkany est-il, lui, toujours maire ?. Le Nouvel Obs. 2019](https://www.nouvelobs.com/politique/20190826.OBS17549/mais-pourquoi-donc-patrick-balkany-est-il-lui-toujours-maire.html)
3. [Gérard Lozinguez élu maire d’Hesdin jusqu’en mars 2020. La Voix du Nord. 2019](https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/633562/article/2019-09-05/gerard-lozinguez-elu-maire-d-hesdin-jusqu-en-mars-2020)
4. [Source](https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/cncdext/dyn/public/atlas/rechercheAtlasFrance.html?criteres.collectiviteId=27368)
5. [Source](https://www.havering.gov.uk/aboutus)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. BnF authorities
8. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
9. INSEE code
10. OpenStreetMap
11. répertoire géographique des communes
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Czech National Authority Database
14. Annuaire de service-public.fr
15. MusicBrainz
16. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
17. Populations légales 2016
18. Populations légales 2017
19. Populations légales 2018
20. Populations légales 2019
21. Populations légales 2020
22. Populations légales 2021
23. Populations de référence 2022
24. Populations de référence 2023
25. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
26. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=17079)
27. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
28. GeoNames
29. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
30. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
31. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
32. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File