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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The church Our Lady of Life is located in the hamlet of Vieulaines, on the commune of Fontaine-sur-Somme, in the department of the Somme (Hauts-de-France). Built in the 16th century, it was originally a chapel dependent on the local castle, integrated into the seigneurial estate. As a parish church for the hamlet, it illustrates the evolution of rural places of worship from private use to community function. Its inscription to historical monuments in 1974 underscores its heritage importance, notably for its stone architecture and its quadrangular bell tower covered with slates, replacing an initial cover in thatch (XVI century), then in tiles (1742).

During the Second World War, the church served as a refuge for the inhabitants of Fontaine-sur-Somme, deprived of their own place of worship. This episode testifies to its social and protective role in local history. Inside, remarkable elements have been protected since 1985, such as stained glass fragments, an angel carrying the instruments of the Passion, 16th century baptismal fonts, and an 18th century painting. Recent discoveries, during work in 2025, have revealed carved blocks and punch tips, enriching the knowledge of its construction.

The church also reflected the material transformations of rural religious buildings: its roof, initially in thatch, was replaced by tiles in 1742, then by slates around 1840. These changes met practical needs and technical developments, while preserving its historical character. Today, it remains a symbol of the religious and architectural heritage of Picardia, open to the visit and managed by the municipality.

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