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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church Notre-Dame-de-Lorette de Tilloloy, located in the Somme (Hauts-de-France), was built between 1530 and 1534 on the initiative of Antoinette de Rasse, widow of John III of Soyecourt, local lord. It replaced an old church dedicated to Saint Nicholas and also served as a seigneurial chapel at the nearby castle. Its architecture, inspired by Antoinette's pilgrimage to the Holy House of Lorette in Italy, is distinguished by decorative elements such as shells, a gourd and a pilgrim stick carved on the facade. The building, made of brick with stone ornaments, evokes the fortified churches of Thierache.

Classified as a historical monument in 1840 (first list), the church underwent restoration in the 19th century under the direction of Edmond Duthoit. Destroyed largely during the First World War, it was rebuilt between 1929 and 1938 by Henri Moreau, chief architect of the Historic Monuments. The stained glass of the choir, inspired by the originals of Mathieu de Bléville, was recreated by Jacques Grüber (School of Nancy) and restored until 2019. The unique nave, vaulted with brick, and the tombs of the Soyecourt testify to its rich past.

The interior houses a flamboyant Gothic swimming pool (1534), arch keys decorated with family coats of arms, and sculptures by Camille Garnier made during the interwar period. The windows of the nave, partially destroyed in 1940, were designed by the Cagnart d'Amiens workshop (1934–35). The church, a communal property, embodies both a religious, seigneurial and artistic heritage, marked by successive conflicts and restorations.

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