The large farm (or small hamlet) at Filescamps, 15 kilometres west of Arras, has the form of several ranges of buildings which surround a central courtyard. The buildings are of great age and near the entrance arch a 17th century muches lies. Muches were underground features constructed to provide shelter for humans, livestock and goods during the Franco Spanish wars of the 16th and 17th centuries.
It is an unusual example as the settlement is so small. There is also no nearby church which is usually situated above or near the entrance to muches. The descending passage way has an exceptionally fine stepped vault ceiling, showing the care taken in its construction. There is evidence of several defensive gates during the descent. Lower levels are partially blocked by flows of clay through the chalk bedrock so the full extent of the underground network cannot be determined.
During World War I, the farm was used as a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) airfield and grafitti from this period exists in the upper reaches of the muches. In 1917 no 60 Squadron RFC was based at the airfield and Canadian Captain William (‘Billy’) Bishop was awarded the VC for his exploits. Graffiti from World War II includes British Regiments and later some by German prisoners-of-war.
Sub Bri visited the site by kind permission of the owners, the Tetus family, on two occasions.
