origins of the commune name and other names in the commune. In the Middle Ages Bildarraitz was an independent area without a church but with its own council, and a half-dozen homes were ennobled in 1435. The name may be the joining of bil-, meaning "set" or "a round place", and araitz, meaning "blackthorn", "prickly", or "briar". Sources: Orpustan: Jean-Baptiste Orpustan, New Basque Toponymy Raymond: Topographic Dictionary of the Department of Basses-Pyrenees, 1863, on the page numbers indicated in the table. Cassini: Cassini Map from 1750 Origins: Camara: Titles of Camara of Comptos Pamplona: Titles of Pamplona) Collations: Collations of the Diocese of Bayonne Biscay: Martin Biscay Duchesne: Duchesne collection volume CXIV History On 18 March 1450, Labourd returned to the French crown after the signing of a peace treaty at the Château of Belzunce in Ayherre which marked the end of English influence in the region. On that the representatives of Labourd made their submission and, upon payment of 2,000 gold écus secured by the retention of 10 hostages, retained their privileges. Heraldry Administration List of successive mayors Inter-communality The commune is part of six inter-communal structures: the Communauté d'agglomération du Pays Basque the AEP association of Arberoue the sanitation association of Adour-Ursula the energy association of Pyrénées-Atlantiques the inter-communal association for the building of a retirement home in the Arberoue Valley the inter-communal association for the crafts zone in Ayherre Demography The declaration of rights in 1749 counted 162 fires in Ayherre (130 third estate, one priest, two members of the nobility (Arcangues and Belsunce) and 29 non-owners). In 2017 the commune had 1,042 inhabitants. Economy Economic activity in the commune is mainly agricultural. The commune is part of the Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) zone of Ossau-iraty. The Lauak company (aeronautical and aerospace industry) is located in the industrial zone of Ayherre. The Uhagun Mill on the Aran dates to the 19th century and has been converted into a hydro-electric plant. Culture and heritage Civil heritage The commune has three sites that are registered as historical monuments: The Château de Belzunce (13th century) Prehistoric fortifications on Mount Abarratia Prehistoric fortifications (Gaztelu Zahar of three levels) Religious heritage The Parish Church of Saint Pierre (17th century) is registered as an historical monument. Education The commune has two primary schools: one in the town and one private school of the Immaculate Conception. Notable people linked to the commune Émile Larre,