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Origin and history

The Sandstone of Saint Martin is a Neolithic polisher discovered near Assevillers, in the Somme. This block of grey sandstone, of triangular shape (2.60 m long), features polishing cups and grooves used to sharpen stone tools. Originally located 1.5 km north of the village, it was moved near the church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assumption after its protection in 1899, thus avoiding its destruction by carriers. Reported to the Picardie Antiquary Society in 1867, it testifies to prehistoric craft techniques.

The stone bears a natural depression surrounded by two circular bowls and grooves, tangible traces of its use by neolithic communities. A local legend attributes these marks to St.Martin: his horse, while hiding to fight the Devil, would have left its mark, transforming the bowl into a healing place for sick mounts. The inhabitants drank their animals there, believing in his healing virtues.

Ranked a historic monument on February 11, 1899, the Grès de Saint-Martin illustrates both the megalithic heritage of Picardia and the popular medieval beliefs that have grafted on much older remains. His study was documented in the early twentieth century, notably by G. Boulanger (1918) and A. Ponchon (1907), highlighting its archaeological and folkloric importance.

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