Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Saint-Éloi-et-Saint-Martin (formerly Saint-Martin) is located in La Buissière, now integrated in Bruay-la-Buissière (Pas-de-Calais). Its history begins in the 13th century with the construction of the bell tower, of which only the lower sandstone seats remain. The present Gothic-style building was erected from 1523 on the foundations of an earlier church dedicated to St Martin, under the impetus of the family of Courteville, then owner of the fief. The choir, completed between 1540 and 1550, illustrates the flamboyant art of art, while the nave and its collaterals date from the late 16th century. The stone arrow, added in the 18th century, was reconstructed identically in 1991 after degradation.

The church suffered damage during the French Revolution, losing notably its 16th century stained glass windows, replaced in the 19th century by reproductions. Closed from 2000 to 2009 for security reasons, it was restored and rededicated to Saint Eloi in 2009, thus avoiding confusion with the other Saint Martin church of Bruay-la-Buissière. Its furniture includes baptismal fonts of 1627, classified in 1907, and a bell of 1726, classified in 1943. The building, registered for historical monuments in 2000, now depends on the parish of Saints-Pierre-et-Paul in Bruaysis.

Architecturally, the church adopts a Latin cross plan with an atypical north-northeast orientation, characteristic of the West of Pas-de-Calais. Church-halle, it presents a central vessel flanked by collaterals, typical of the Artois. Inside, a column carries the arms of Philippe de Courteville, who sponsored the building in the 16th century. The elevated choir, vaulted in flamboyant Gothic, houses a statue of Saint Eloi, patron saint of charities, added after 2009.

Among the remarkable elements, the sandstone baptismal tank (2.80 m of circumference) is supported by three allegorical statues of theological virtues: faith (cruix), hope (anchors) and charity (child). These fonts, decorated with the Maulde family's weapons, testify to the local patronage. The bell of 1726, classified, and the parapet of the bell tower (late 17th century) complete this architectural and furniture heritage.

The church, owned by the municipality, is visited by appointment outside the offices. Its recent restoration has preserved an emblematic building of Artois religious heritage, mixing medieval, reborn and modern heritage.

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