Balham is a commune in the Ardennes department in the Grand Est region of northern France.
The commune has been awarded one flower by the National Council of Towns and Villages in Bloom in the Competition of cities and villages in Bloom.Balham in the Competition for Towns and Villages in Bloom
Geography Balham is located some west by south-west of Rethel and north-east of Asfeld. Access to the commune is by the D926 road from Gomont in the north-east which passes through the village and continues south-west to Asfeld. The commune is mixed forest and farmland.Google Maps
The Aisne river passes through the centre of the commune flowing from north-east to south-west on its way to join the Oise at Compiègne. The parallel Canal des Ardennes passes through the southern tip of the commune.
Neighbouring communes and villages
Toponymy The name Balham comes from the name of a person Ballo + Heim. It was Balaan around 1172 and Balehan in 1211–1212.
Heraldry
Administration
List of Successive MayorsList of Mayors of France From To Name 1995 2008 Jean-Pierre Moraux 2008 2020 Vincent Roland 2020 current Jean Durand
Demography The inhabitants of the commune are known as Balhamais or Balhamaises in French.Le nom des habitants du 08 - Ardennes, habitants.fr
Sites and monuments
The Cemetery (15th century) is registered as an historical monument.Ministry of Culture, Mérimée The Church of Saint John the Baptist contains several items that are registered as historical objects: A Stained glass window (1536)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Statue: Saint Barbe (15th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Statue: Saint Catherine (15th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy
Notable people linked to the commune Edmond Louis Alexis Dubois-Crancé (1747-1814), Revolutionary politician, member of the Committee of Public Order, General of the Republic, Commissioner of the Army and Minister of War (September–November 1799), became Mayor of Balham after 1800.
See also Communes of the Ardennes department
References
External links Balham on Géoportail, National Geographic Institute (IGN) website Balham on the 1750 Cassini Map