BETHUNE, town of France, capital of an arrondissement, department of Pas-de-Calais, 24m. N.N.W. of Arras, on the rail way between Arras and St. Omer. Pop. (1931) Bethune is situated on a low hill at the confluence of the Lawe with the canal from Aire to Bauvin. The town dates from the I 1 th century and was governed by its own lords till 1248, after which it passed successively to the counts of Flanders, the dukes of Burgundy, and the sovereigns of Austria and Spain. Ceded to France by the peace of Nijmwegen (1678), it was taken by the allied forces in 1710, and restored to France by the treaty of Utrecht. The main front astride the La Bassee Canal was situ ated about 5m. from Bethune during the World War, and the town thus became an important base. During the German ad vance (April 1918) many of the houses and public buildings were destroyed by bombardment. Bethune lies in the midst of the richest coal mines in France. Its industries include the dis tillation of oil, tanning, salt-refining and the manufacture of earthenware and casks. Trade is carried on in flax, cloth, cereals, oil-seeds, etc.
The town is the seat of a sub-prefect, and has a tribunal of first instance and a chamber of commerce.