History of Beauvais in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 23, 2026

Beauvais is a town and commune located in northern France, specifically in the Oise département within the Hauts-de-France region. It serves as the prefecture for the Oise département and is situated approximately 75 kilometers north of Paris.

October 1930: R101 Airship Crash

On 5 October 1930, the British airship R101 crashed just outside Beauvais on its maiden overseas voyage, resulting in the death of 48 out of the 54 people on board.

June 1940: German advance on Paris

In June 1940, Beauvais was extensively damaged during World War II due to the German advance on Paris.

1943: Commune Absorptions

In 1943, the commune of Beauvais absorbed the former communes of Marissel, Saint-Just-des-Marais and Voisinlieu and part of Notre-Dame-du-Thil.

August 1944: Liberation by British forces

On August 30, 1944, Beauvais was liberated by British forces during World War II, after being badly damaged. Much of the older part of the city was destroyed, and the cathedral was badly damaged.

1961: Average annual temperature

In 1961, Beauvais' average annual temperature was recorded.

1981: Average annual precipitation

In 1981, Beauvais' average annual precipitation was recorded.

1986: RS Components Presence

Since 1986, RS Components, founded by Jerry Vaughan, is present and operating from a purpose-built distribution centre to the east of Beauvais.

1990: Average annual temperature

In 1990, Beauvais' average annual temperature was recorded.

1991: Sunlight annual average

In 1991, Beauvais' sunlight annual average was recorded.

1997: Airport Passenger Usage

In 1997, Beauvais-Tillé Airport had an annual usage of 200,000 passengers.

2001: Airport Usage Increase

Between 2001 and 2005, Beauvais-Tillé Airport usage increased by 40% a year on average.

2005: Airport Usage Increase

Between 2001 and 2005, Beauvais-Tillé Airport usage increased by 40% a year on average.

2006: Airport Passenger Usage Increase

By 2006, Beauvais-Tillé Airport had an annual usage of more than 1.8 million passengers.

2006: AS Beauvais Oise

In 2006, AS Beauvais Oise was a football club playing in the Championnat National.

2008: Cathedral Restoration

In 2008, the cathedral, dedicated to Saint Peter, underwent a major repair and restoration process.

2010: Sunlight annual average

In 2010, Beauvais' sunlight annual average was recorded.

September 2022: Mayor Election

In September 2022, Franck Pia was elected as the mayor of Beauvais, succeeding Caroline Cayeux.

2023: Nahel Merzouk protests

In 2023, Beauvais experienced significant rioting during the Nahel Merzouk protests.

2023: Population of Beauvais

In 2023, the commune of Beauvais had a population of 55,550, making it the most populous town in the Oise department. The metropolitan area of Beauvais had a population of 128,020 in 2023.