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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Saint-André church of Appeville-Annebault, located in the Eure in Normandy, is a Catholic building built between the 14th and 16th centuries. The choir, the oldest part, dates back to the 14th century and is built in a masonry of flint, while the nave and tower, of flamboyant Gothic style, are erected in the 16th century under the impulse of the brothers Claude and Jacques d'Annebault, local patrons. The building was classified as a historic monument in 1862, recognizing its architectural and historical value.

The reconstruction of the nave began in 1518, financed by Claude d'Annebault, Admiral of France and Marshal, and his brother Jacques, future Cardinal and Abbé of Bec. Their weapons, carved in stone, testify to their major contribution. The older choir preserves the foothills of the 14th century and a window now hidden. A local legend tells that the primitive building, built on a field named closed in Saint Andrew, was mysteriously demolished every night, pushing the builders to choose the current location in the valley.

The architecture of the church is distinguished by an open cornice, decorated with fantastic foliage, fruits and animals, running under the roof around the nave. The square tower, covered by an arrow in slate, and the western gate, with its arch in braid, also date from the sixteenth century. Inside, the arch keys, finely carved, represent in particular the dove of the Holy Spirit and Saint Michael terrorizing the dragon. The windows, fragments of the 16th century, and statues like that of Saint Milfort, bear witness to the patronage of the Annebaults.

Annebault's family, originally from the Pays d'Auge, deeply marks the history of the monument. Claude, admiral and governor of Piedmont, and Jacques, cardinal and abbot, transformed the church into a Renaissance jewel. Their disgrace under Henry II interrupted the work planned for the choir. The two brothers are buried in the building, where their graves recall their influence. A mass foundation, dated 1676, and 17th century funeral inscriptions illustrate the sustainability of local religious practices.

The church also houses posterior elements, such as an Art Deco cross path (1936) and 17th century Renaissance baptismal fonts. Nearby, the Saint Marguerite fountain, linked to a medieval leprosy, attests to persistent popular traditions, such as pilgrimages to treat ulcers. The site, a communal property, remains a major testimony of Norman religious and seigneurial heritage.

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