Construction of the cross XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Editing the carved octagonal cross.
1793
Partial destruction
Partial destruction 1793 (≈ 1793)
Broken by the Jacobins during the Revolution.
28 novembre 1922
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 28 novembre 1922 (≈ 1922)
Official protection by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Louise de Buchepot - Dedication of the monument
Young girl in memory of whom the cross was built.
Famille des Gaucourt - Suspected owner of a shield
Two dolphin weapons on a badge.
Origin and history
La Croix de Fougerolles is a carved and monumental octagonal stone cross located in Fougerolles in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Dating from the 15th century, it rests on a four-step base decorated with shields. Its cask, decorated with tears and flowers, presents in relief the instruments of the Passion on its eight faces. Five shields, including one with Gaucourt weapons (representing two dolphins), adorn the centre of the cross, surrounded by a floral garland evoking Louise de Buchepot, a young girl in memory of whom the monument was built.
An inscription in Gothic letters, taken from the book of Jeremiah, crowned together, surmounted by four florets having once supported statuettes of saints or angels. The cross was vandalized in 1793 by the Jacobins, who partially broke it. Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 28 November 1922, it now belongs to the commune of Fougerolles and stands in the church square.
The monument illustrates late medieval funerary art, mixing religious symbolism (instruments of the Passion, badges) and personal homage (guirland for Louise de Buchepot). Its rich iconography and its turbulent history, marked by the Revolution, make it a rare witness to the piety and political turmoil of its time.
