Column construction 1771 (≈ 1771)
Erection of the monument with three crosses.
15 octobre 1934
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 15 octobre 1934 (≈ 1934)
Official protection of the monument by the State.
1944
Destruction at Battle
Destruction at Battle 1944 (≈ 1944)
Disappeared during the Liberation of Normandy.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Column known as the Three Crosses: by order of 15 October 1934
Key figures
Théodore de Bèze - Protestant historical figure
Associated with an act of vandalism in 1563.
Origin and history
The Three Cross column was a road cross located in Argentan, Orne department, Normandy. Built in 1771, it stood at the exit of the city, on the current location of Place des Trois-Croix. This monument consisted of a base of three steps, a square base, and a column topped by an ionic capital adorned with three wrought iron crosses. Ranked as historic monuments on 15 October 1934, it was destroyed in 1944 during the Battle of Normandy, marking the end of a symbol both religious and commemorative.
The three crosses of the column have been the subject of several historical interpretations. According to some traditions, they could mark the meeting place of three kings in the 12th century, or commemorate the expulsion of the English from the region in 1450. Other hypotheses evoke a symbolic redemption for vandalism committed by Theodore de Bèze in 1563, or a connection with the name of the church of the hospital of Argentan, originally dedicated to the Trinity before becoming Saint Thomas. These theories, although varied, underline the memorial and spiritual importance of the monument to the local community.
Architecturally, the Three Cross column was a typical example of the 18th century road crosses, combining classical elegance and Christian symbolism. Its ionic capital, a rare element for this type of monument, as well as its three wrought iron crosses, made it a unique object of art and devotion. The destruction of the monument in 1944, in the context of the struggles of the Liberation, deprived Argentan of an artistic, historical and identity heritage, today recalled by the name of the place dedicated to it.
