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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The chapel Saint-Séverin de Merlemont, located in the hamlet of Merlemont in Warluis, is an ancient parish church built in the 12th century. This modest Romanesque-style building, with small proportions, consists of a four-span ceiling nave, a vaulted choir with a single cross and an apse in a cul-de-four. Its authenticity is remarkable, both for its stone and mortar architecture and for its original drills, with the exception of two openings added at the end of the 18th century on the south wall. The choir retains an exceptional medieval structure, dating from the 12th century, with characteristic assemblages such as lateral stripping or halfwood.

From the 15th century, the chapel passed under the possession of the lords of the family of the Courtils, having belonged to the Abbey of Froidmont. Its frame bell tower, now covered with slates, was once covered with oak shingles. The building illustrates a rare stylistic homogeneity, with architectural elements and a medieval structure among the best preserved in the region. Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 25 March 1993, it now belongs to the municipality of Warluis.

The chapel is distinguished by the rarity of its 12th century structure, a unique testimony of medieval construction techniques. His state of conservation, especially in the choir, makes him a valuable example of the Hauts-de-France's Romanesque heritage. Subsequent changes, such as the 18th century drills, remain minor and do not alter the overall integrity of the building. Its history reflects the links between local communities, lords and religious institutions, typical of feudal and ecclesiastical organization of the time.

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