an archiepiscopal city, the capital of the Cambresis, in the Low Countries, seated on the Scheldt. It is defended by good fortifications, and has a fort on the side of the river; and as the land is low on that side, they can lay the adjacent parts under water by means of sluices. Its ditches are large and deep, and those of the citadel are cut into a rock. Clodion became master of Cambrai in 445. The Danes burnt it afterwards; since which time it became a free imperial city. It has been the subject of contest between the emperors, the kings of France, and the earls of Flanders. Francis I. let it remain neutral during the war with Charles V., but this last took possession of it in 1543. After this it was given to John of Montluc by Henry III. of France, whom he created prince of Cambrai; but the Spaniards took it from Montluc in 1593, which broke his heart. It continued under the dominion of the house of Austria till 1677, when the king of France became master of it, in whose hands it has continued ever since.
The buildings of Cambrai are tolerably handsome, and the streets fine and spacious. The place or square for arms is of an extraordinary largeness, and capable of receiving the whole garrison in order of battle. The cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary is one of the finest in Europe. The body of the church is very large, and there are rich chapels, the pillars of which are adorned with marble tombs that are of exquisite workmanship, and add greatly to the beauty of the place.
There are two galleries, one of which is of copper, finely wrought. The door of the choir is of the same metal, and well carved. The steeple of this church is very high, and built in the form of a pyramid; and from its top you have a view of the city, which is one of the finest and most agreeable in the Low Countries. There are nine parishes, four abbeys, and several convents for both sexes. The citadel is very advantageously situated on the high ground, and commands the whole city. Cambrai is one of the most opulent and commercial cities in the Low Countries; and makes every year a great number of pieces of cambric, with which the inhabitants drive a great trade. E. Long. 3° 20'. N. Lat. 50° 11'.
M. de Fenelon, archbishop of. See Fenelon.