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Origin and history

The Église Saint-Médard de Dammard, located in the Aisne department in the Hauts-de-France region, is a monument whose architecture was profoundly transformed after the First World War. During the Battle of the Marne, the building was almost completely destroyed, from an initial length of 38.5 metres to 24.6 metres after its reconstruction. Despite the damage, parts such as the choir and cross of the 12th century transept were preserved.

The nave of origin, without side, and its asymmetric transept (a single north cruise) were modified after the bombing. The vaults of the nave, dating from 1631, bear witness to its pre-war architectural evolution. Among the notable elements, the bell called Charity, classified as a historical monument, was cast in bronze in 1583. With a diameter of 1.20 metres and weighing 1,066 kg, it carries five ornamental cartridges (royal weapons, crucifixion, Virgin with the Child, Saint Barbe and Saint Eloi) and historical inscriptions.

The bell was blessed in 1583 by Charles de Roussy, bishop of Soissons. The engraved inscriptions mention names of local noble families (De Lion, De Lénoncourt, De Quinquanpois) and royal officers, reflecting the social and religious context of the time. These details, combined with the comparative pre- and post-war plans, illustrate the heritage and memorial importance of this place, marked by the conflicts of the twentieth century.

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