# Lucy-le-Bocage

> commune in Aisne, France

**Wikidata**: [Q872192](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q872192)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy-le-Bocage)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lucy-le-bocage

## Summary
Lucy-le-Bocage is a commune located in the Aisne department of France, within the former canton of Charly-sur-Marne and the arrondissement of Château-Thierry. It is a small rural municipality with a population fluctuating around 200 residents, recognized for its historical ties to World War I, as evidenced by its receipt of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 military decoration.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Aisne department, France, within the arrondissement of Château-Thierry.
- **Administrative History**: Formerly part of the canton of Charly-sur-Marne until March 2015.
- **Population**: Recorded populations include 188, 191, 195, 199, 140, 124, 132, 141, 166, 176, 179, 203, 206, 209, 212, and 202 across various years.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.056944444444, Longitude 3.2786111111111.
- **Website**: Official site at [http://lucylebocage.free.fr/index](http://lucylebocage.free.fr/index).
- **Aliases**: Also known simply as "Lucy."
- **Wikidata Description**: Classified as a "commune in Aisne, France."
- **Sitelink Count**: 44 references across Wikimedia projects.
- **Military Recognition**: Awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 on April 2, 1915, for its role during World War I.
- **Inception of Aisne Department**: The Aisne department was established on March 4, 1790.

## FAQs
**What is the administrative status of Lucy-le-Bocage?**
Lucy-le-Bocage is a commune, the smallest administrative division in France, located in the Aisne department. It was previously part of the canton of Charly-sur-Marne until a 2015 reorganization and remains within the arrondissement of Château-Thierry.

**How has the population of Lucy-le-Bocage changed over time?**
The population has varied significantly, with recorded figures ranging from 124 to 212 residents. Notable counts include 199 in one year, 140 in another, and a peak of 212, reflecting typical fluctuations in rural French municipalities.

**Why is Lucy-le-Bocage historically significant?**
The commune was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration established in 1915, for its contributions or sacrifices during World War I. This recognition highlights its role in the broader historical context of the war.

**What are the geographic coordinates of Lucy-le-Bocage?**
The commune is located at latitude 49.056944444444 and longitude 3.2786111111111, placing it in the northern part of the Aisne department in the Hauts-de-France region.

**What is the relationship between Lucy-le-Bocage and the Aisne department?**
Lucy-le-Bocage is one of many communes within the Aisne department, which was created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. The department is part of the larger administrative structure of France, governing local policies and services.

## Why It Matters
Lucy-le-Bocage exemplifies the resilience and historical depth of rural French communes, particularly those affected by World War I. Its receipt of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 underscores its contributions during a pivotal period in European history, serving as a reminder of the widespread impact of the war on small communities. As a commune within the Aisne department, it also reflects the broader administrative and cultural framework of France, where local governance plays a crucial role in preserving heritage and community identity. For historians and researchers, Lucy-le-Bocage offers a microcosm of rural life, demographic shifts, and the enduring legacy of conflict in shaping local narratives.

## Notable For
- **Military Honors**: One of the communes in France awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 for its role in World War I.
- **Demographic Fluctuations**: Exhibits significant population variability, reflecting broader trends in rural French municipalities.
- **Administrative Evolution**: Part of the historical canton of Charly-sur-Marne and the arrondissement of Château-Thierry, illustrating changes in French local governance.
- **Geographic Precision**: Clearly defined coordinates (49.056944444444, 3.2786111111111) for precise location tracking.
- **Cultural Identity**: Retains the alias "Lucy," showcasing the simplification of place names in local vernacular.

## Body
### Administrative and Geographic Context
Lucy-le-Bocage is a commune in the Aisne department of France, which was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. The commune is situated within the arrondissement of Château-Thierry, a subdivision of the Aisne department responsible for local administration. Prior to March 2015, Lucy-le-Bocage was part of the canton of Charly-sur-Marne, a smaller administrative division that was dissolved during a nationwide reorganization of cantons.

The geographic coordinates of Lucy-le-Bocage are latitude 49.056944444444 and longitude 3.2786111111111, placing it in the northern region of Aisne, which is part of the Hauts-de-France administrative region. The commune is characterized by its rural setting, typical of many small municipalities in the area.

### Population Dynamics
The population of Lucy-le-Bocage has experienced notable fluctuations over the years. Recorded figures include:
- 188, 191, 195, 199, 140, 124, 132, 141, 166, 176, 179, 203, 206, 209, 212, and 202 residents across different census periods.
These variations reflect broader demographic trends in rural France, where populations often shift due to economic opportunities, migration, and aging communities.

### Historical Significance
Lucy-le-Bocage holds historical importance due to its recognition during World War I. The commune was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a military decoration established on April 2, 1915, to honor communities that demonstrated exceptional bravery or suffered significant damage during the war. This award highlights the commune's role in the conflict and its contributions to the broader French war effort.

### Governance and Infrastructure
As a commune, Lucy-le-Bocage operates under the administrative framework of the French Republic. It is governed by a municipal council and a mayor, who oversee local services, infrastructure, and community development. The commune's official website, [http://lucylebocage.free.fr/index](http://lucylebocage.free.fr/index), serves as a platform for local news, administrative updates, and community engagement.

### Related Administrative Entities
Lucy-le-Bocage is connected to several higher-level administrative entities:
- **Aisne Department**: The broader department within which the commune is located, established in 1790.
- **Arrondissement of Château-Thierry**: The arrondissement responsible for overseeing multiple communes, including Lucy-le-Bocage.
- **Former Canton of Charly-sur-Marne**: The canton to which Lucy-le-Bocage belonged until the 2015 reorganization.

### Cultural and Linguistic Identity
The commune is also known by the alias "Lucy," reflecting a common practice in France where longer place names are shortened in local usage. This simplification is often seen in rural areas, where informal names persist alongside official designations.

### Recognition and Awards
The Croix de guerre 1914–1918 is the most significant award associated with Lucy-le-Bocage. This decoration is a testament to the commune's historical resilience and its role in one of the most defining periods of modern French history. The award is shared with other communes that faced similar challenges during World War I, creating a network of recognized communities across France.

### Demographic and Economic Context
The population data for Lucy-le-Bocage provides insight into the economic and social dynamics of rural French life. The fluctuations in population numbers suggest periods of growth and decline, likely influenced by factors such as agricultural trends, employment opportunities, and regional development policies. The commune's small size and rural character make it a representative example of the challenges and opportunities faced by similar municipalities in France.

### Geographic and Environmental Features
While specific environmental details are not provided in the source material, the commune's location in the Aisne department suggests a landscape typical of northern France, with a mix of agricultural land, forests, and small waterways. The coordinates place Lucy-le-Bocage in a region known for its rolling hills and fertile soil, which have historically supported farming and viticulture.

### Modern Relevance
Today, Lucy-le-Bocage continues to function as a small but historically significant commune within the French administrative system. Its recognition during World War I ensures its place in the collective memory of the region, while its ongoing governance and community life reflect the enduring importance of local administration in France. The commune's website and other digital presence indicate a commitment to maintaining connections with residents and preserving its heritage for future generations.

## References

1. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
2. INSEE code
3. répertoire géographique des communes
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Annuaire de service-public.fr
6. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
7. Populations légales 2016
8. Populations légales 2017
9. Populations légales 2018
10. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
11. Populations légales 2019
12. Populations légales 2020
13. Populations légales 2021
14. Populations de référence 2022
15. Populations de référence 2023
16. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
17. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
18. GeoNames
19. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
20. [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)
21. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)