Known by several names over the years, Morolium (1103), Moroil (1183), Moruel, Moroilum, Moroiel, Moreul (1240), Moureul, Moureuil (1340), Morveul, Morvels and finally
Moreuil, the commune has ancient origins. Flint tools have been found here and the presence of tall boundary stones indicates pre-Roman settlement. Moreuil comes from a
Celtic word meaning ‘sea’. Moreuil is found on the
Roman road that links
Compiègne,
Montdidier and
Amiens which explains the number of
Gallo-Roman finds in the vicinity. First mentioned around 800 as a fort and square on the river
Avre, it was sacked by the
Normans. The lords of Moreuil rendered great service to the Kings of France during the
Crusades. One was created a Knight of the
Order of Malta. During the
Hundred Years War, Moreuil suffered through blood and fire. It was taken, won back and re-taken by the
Burgundians. During the
Wars of Religion, it was one of the strongest supporters of the
Catholic League In 1574 the town's two schools were burnt down, but reconstructed thanks to the benefices of Cardinal
Antoine de Créquy,
Bishop of Amiens and
abbot of Moreuil. In 1720 hat-making was established in Moreuil. Unaffected to any degree by the
French Revolution, Moreuil was subject to foreign occupation during 1815 and during the
Franco-Prussian War of 1870. During
World War I, the town formed a part of the front line of the
Western Front. ==Places of interest==