Cherbourg

Cherbourg, town in northern France, in the Manche Department of Lower Normandy, on the English Channel, at the mouth of the Divette River on the Corentin peninsula. It is a seaport, a naval base, and a fishing and manufacturing centre; products include ships and marine supplies, electronic and communications equipment, and processed food. A long breakwater protects the harbour.

Cherbourg is built on the probable site of the Roman camp of Coriallum. By the 11th century the community was known as Carusbar or Carusburc. It was sacked by the English in 1295, but withstood several English sieges during the following two centuries. Projects for the fortification and improvement of the harbour were initiated in the 17th century. In 1758 Cherbourg was captured by the British, and its port facilities were destroyed; a long term restoration project began in the 1770s and was completed in the mid-19th century. During World War II the city was occupied by the Germans, and it suffered heavy damage while being liberated by the Allies in 1944. Population 40,700 (2005 estimate).