Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Rocquigny, located in the department of Pas-de-Calais (Hauts-de-France), was rebuilt after the First World War, which had destroyed the previous building. A contest was organized for its reconstruction, and the architect Jean-Louis Sourdeau's project was selected in 1928. The latter offers an innovative design, marked by the use of reinforced concrete, especially for its bell tower of 38 meters, a regional rarity. The works were completed between 1929 and 1930, incorporating stained glass windows in glass slabs signed by Jean Gaudin and mosaics of the Mauméjean brothers, with an abside window attributed to Mayeur and Bertrand (Arras).

Ranked a historic monument in 2001, however, the church suffers from structural deterioration (mortar, concrete) leading to the dismantling of its bell tower. Consolidation work is under way, and after a decade of restoration, the building was re-opened in 2013 with a tower rebuilt into prefabricated elements, replacing the original method of sliding formwork. Its brick-cast plan, its screw staircase and its exceptional décor make it a major symbol of the First Reconstruction in Nord-Pas-de-Calais.

In 2024, the Monnaie de Paris honors the church by striking a commemorative coin with its effigy, highlighting its heritage importance. The building, owned by the commune of Rocquigny, remains a unique architectural testimony, combining modernity of materials (beton) and artistic traditions (mosaic, stained glass). Its history also reflects the challenges of preserving 20th century monuments, faced with pioneering but fragile constructive techniques.

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