Construction period Moyen Âge (≈ 1125)
Creation of the granite sarcophagus.
21 juillet 1933
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 21 juillet 1933 (≈ 1933)
Official protection by ministerial decree.
Début XXe siècle
Merovingian hypothesis
Merovingian hypothesis Début XXe siècle (≈ 2004)
Attribution discussed by historians.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The sarcophagus (case AT 24): classification by decree of 21 July 1933
Key figures
Saint Bômer - Local religious figure
Associated with a violent death on site.
Origin and history
The sarcophagus of the Thomassière is a medieval burial dug in a block of granite, located 2 km east of the town of Lonlay-l'Abbaye, in the department of Orne. This monument, nicknamed "the tomb of the chief", is located at the place known as the Thomassière and is distinguished by its monolithic structure, exceeding by one metre above the ground. Its internal walls, cut in sharp angles, and its bottom narrower than the opening suggest a careful design, although its lid has now disappeared.
According to historical sources, this sarcophagus is associated with the violent death of Saint Bomer, killed by three local lords. Although some early 20th century historians considered it a Merovingian burial, its classification as historical monuments in 1933 confirmed its heritage importance. The property now belongs to the municipality of Lonlay-l'Abbaye, and its state of conservation remains a rare testimony of medieval funeral practices in Normandy.
The sarcophagus is described in specialized publications, such as the Bulletin de la Société préhistorique de France (1931), which analyses its architectural characteristics. Its listing in the inventory of historical monuments (Mérimée base) and its precise location, although considered mediocre (level 5/10), make it an accessible site, although little known to the general public. The region, marked by a dense religious and funeral heritage, offers a historical context where this type of monument illustrates the beliefs and rites of the medieval era.
