Philatelic document - 1000 years Caen

In 1025, Caen entered the history books. It was at this date that the first written mention was made of a town then called Cadomus. Under the reign of William the Conqueror, the Norman city came into its own. In just a few years, between 1050 and 1060, he built the castle and the two great abbeys, l'abbaye aux Hommes and l'abbaye aux Dames. Over the next 1,000 years, the town's history was marked by several important dates. 1066 William of Normandy becomes King of England after winning the Battle of Hastings. 1432 Founding of the University of Caen, one of the first in Europe. 1562 During the Wars of Religion, the tombs of William and Matilda are plundered. 1793 The château is condemned to destruction, but only the keep and the Porte Saint-Pierre are damaged. 1857 Inauguration of the Caen Canal, linking the port to the sea and contributing to modern maritime trade. 1944 Bombing destroys part of the town. The "_D-Day_" remains a symbol of freedom. 1957 The university is rebuilt along the lines of an American-style campus. 2016 Caen becomes regional capital. 2025 Completion of the chanti er du château marks the city's entry into the millennium. In 2025, Caen celebrates its millennium with over 250 events highlighting its rich heritage and artistic and scientific culture, revealing a city that combines past, present and future with boldness and optimism.

Bloc de timbre (taille-douce) : création Stéphane Humbert-Basset, gravure Sarah Bougault. Document philatélique et cachet d’oblitération : conception graphique Stéphane Humbert-Basset. Texte : texte GIP Millénaire Caen 2025.