Doullens 4.91

Doullens is a commune in the Somme department in Hauts-de-France in northern France.Its inhabitants are called Doullennais and Doullennaises.GeographyDoullens is situated on the N25 road, in the northern part of the department, straddling the river Authie, the border with the Pas-de-Calais. Doullens is practically mid-way on the intersection of these axes : Abbeville - Arras Amiens - Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise Crécy-en-Ponthieu - Bapaume Auxi-le-Château - Acheux-en-AmiénoisHistory Doullens, the ancient Dulincum, was seat of a viscountship under the counts of Vermandois then of Ponthieu and an important stronghold in the Middle Ages. In 1225, the town became part of France. In 1475 it was burnt by Louis XI for openly siding with the Duke of Burgundy. It received its name Doullens-le-Hardi from its gallant defense in 1523 against the Anglo-Burgundian army. In 1595 it was besieged and occupied by the Spaniards, who massacred the entire population. It was restored to France by the Peace of Vervins . On 26 March 1918, orders giving General Foch overall command of the allied forces on the western front were signed in a room in the town hall.