The French honour an Irish link
Lillers got its name from Lilia, an Irish woman whose brothers Lugle and Luglien were slain by bandits whilst on their way to Jerusalem on pilgrimage in 696.
They had crossed the Irish Sea, Wales, England and the English Channel when their group was attacked by brigands led by Bovon of Busnettes, Hesselin of Ferfay and Béranger of Pressy. Lugle and Luglien had been prominent at the time in Ireland.
Their father, Dodan, was an important chieftain, apparently in Ibénie which could be the region known as Uibh Mháne or Iban in Cork; their mother's name was Rélanie.
A comprehensive account of the massacre and of the life stories of the two men was written by Erkembode who was traveling with them and who was left for dead by the assailants. He survived the terrible experience and became bishop of Thérouanne in 723.
From the shrine to their memory which was established by their sister, the town grew.
The two men were reputed to be martyrs and saints and a fine reliquary dedicated to them is still conserved at Montdidier. Until the late 18th century, the names Lugle and Luglien were given to boys in the north of France.
In June 2005, a son-et-lumière show recalling their story will be presented in Lillers. This will relate the history of the period both in Ireland and in the north of France.
If any of your readers can cast light on the meaning of the names of the five Irish persons mentioned above or could give information on the impulse which inspired people to undertake such long pilgrimages at the time, we in the Communauté Artois-Lys would be most grateful for the help.
André Flajolet, President,
Communauté Artois-Lys,
7 Rue de la Haye,
62190 Lillers,
France.
e: contact@cc-artois-lys.fr
w: www.cc-artois-lys.fr
