Welcome to Lille, where brewers were the masters of beer in the Middle Ages
Archaeological excavations reveal hidden treasures under our feet: brick ovens, witnesses of a time when brewing beer was a true mission! These ovens were not just beer machines; they also heated water for bakers, dyers, and even shoemakers in need of softer leather.
Douai is a true archaeological gem: three ovens from the 12th or 13th century were discovered there. But let's talk seriously (or almost), agricultural progress arrived, and hops made their entrance, relegating gruit, a mix of plants, to the has-been of the Middle Ages.
Brewing was quite a show!
Germinated grains, a dance with hot water, pirouettes with hops, and the magic of fermentation. The end result was a bubbly, refreshing beverage enjoyed by all.
Ale, stored in barrels, was the star of the bustling streets. Douai was the brewery festival, with more than 22 establishments in the 13th and 15th centuries. Add 15 newcomers in the 16th century. Valenciennes, on the other hand, was comparable to a real medieval feast, teeming with "cambiers" and "brewers" on every corner. Beer was not just reserved for taverns, but also for cabarets, inns, and even hospitals, because at that time, pure water was never drunk! Yes, beer already cured everything, from heartaches to headaches!
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Taverns, Real Middle Ages Arenas
Be careful though, excessive consumption could turn these places into arenas worthy of Game of Thrones because where beer flows, problems follow. Nearly half of the misdeeds recorded in the judicial records had a bar as their backdrop.
And so ends the chapter of medieval breweries in the North. A brewing tradition that has left a memorable imprint in the cobbled streets of Lille. Cheers to our ancestors! 🍻
Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health. Enjoy responsibly.
