CALAIS, a seaport t. of France, in the department of the Pas-de-Calais, on the strait of Dover, near its narrowest part, the distance from tire town of Dover not being more than 26 miles. There is here a lighthouse 190 ft. high. In 1879, it was determined to encircle C. with vast new fortifications, and make it once more a fortress of the first . class. On the s. and e., low marshy grounds, which those in the city have the means of submerging, stretch up almost to the walls. The town, adjacent country, and port are commanded by the citadel, which is situated at the w. end of the town, while numerous forts, by their cross-fire, defend the weakest points. The harbor, which is nearly dry at low tide, and which has rarely more than from 15 ft. to 18 ft. of water in it. is formed by two moles, which project about three quarters of a mile into the sea. Being one of the chief ports of debarkation for travelers from England to France, it has daily steam communication with Dover—with which it is also connected by submarine telegraph—and with London and Ramsgate several times a week. The city, which is entered from the sea by a drawbridge and gate, erected in 1683 by cardinal Richelieu, is square in form; its streets are, for the most part, broad and well paved; and its ramparts form pleasant promenades. But it is on the whole a dull place. It has few objects of interest, the most noticeable being the cathedral, with a fine picture of the "Assumption" by Vandyck. It has become a manufacturing town of some importance. The chief manufactures are bobbin-net (tulle) and hosiery. Numerous mills have been built; steam-engines are
multiplying; and the inner ramparts have been removed to make room for factories. Hats and gloves are extensively made. It has also distilleries, salt refineries, and ship building. C. sends many boats to fish for herring and cod on the coasts of Scotland and Iceland. Water, which used to be scarce, is now brought in abundance from the neigh borhood of Guines. Its exports consist of eggs, corn, wine, brandy, etc. In 1873, a school of artillery was established in C. Pop. '76, 12,573.
In the 9th e., C. was but a small fishing-village. In the following c., it was much improved by BaldwinlV., count of Flanders, and enlarged and strengthened by Philippe of France, count of Bo]ogne. After a long siege, it was captured by Edward III. of England, whose hard terms, and the self-devotion shown by six of the citizens, who were saved by queen Philippa, form one of the most interesting passages of history. The English retained it until 1558, when it was captured by the duke of Guise, since which time (with the exception of two years, 1596-08, when it was in the possession of the Spaniards) it has remained in their hands. In 1639, Charles II. of England resided some time here; and about a quarter of a century later, James II. arrived here with French troops for the invasion of England, which the destruction of the French fleet prevented him from accomplishing. Louis XVIII. landed here in 1814, after his exile.