When did Audomar establish the abbey that became Saint-Omer?
Audomar established an abbey called Sithiu near the river Aa in the 7th century. This settlement grew into the town now known as Saint-Omer.
Questions about Saint-Omer
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What happened to Saint-Omer during the Viking attacks of the 9th century?
The Vikings attacked the area around 860 and again in 880 before locals built fortified walls ten years later. The name changed from Sithiu to St Omer during the 9th century.
Who founded the College of Saint Omer and when was it established?
Fr Robert Persons SJ established the College of Saint Omer in 1593. Its purpose was to educate English Roman Catholics who faced penal laws at home.
Which famous figures studied at the Jesuit institution in Saint-Omer?
Former students included John Carroll, his brother Daniel, and his cousin Charles. John Carroll became the first bishop in the United States while Daniel Carroll signed the Constitution of the United States.
How did World War I affect the airfield operations in Saint-Omer?
On the 8th of October 1914, the British Royal Flying Corps arrived in Saint-Omer and established a headquarters at an aerodrome next to the local race course. No. IX Squadron RAF formed at Saint-Omer on the 14th of December 1914.
What significant historical documents are held by the public library in Saint-Omer?
The public library holds one of three French copies of the 42-line Gutenberg Bible which originally came from the library of the Abbey of Saint Bertin. In November 2014, experts found a previously unknown Shakespeare First Folio in this library.