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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Denis de Neuilly-en-Thelle, located in the Oise department in the Hauts-de-France region, finds its origins in a donation of 1187, when Philippe de Dreux, bishop of Beauvais, entrusted the snack of the cure to Saint Vincent de Senlis Abbey. This act probably marked the beginning of its construction, of which the facade and part of the base of the bell tower remain today, with its arch of warheads. The building was partially destroyed during the Great Jacquerie in 1358, requiring repairs that added 14th century elements, such as the southern capitals of the base of the bell tower.

In the 16th century, the choir was completely rebuilt in a flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance style, thanks to funding potentially linked to the Marquis de Fresnoy, whose burial was there. This choir, of generous dimensions, is distinguished by its vaults with liernes and thirdons, its cariatides and consoles carved of human heads. The bell tower, damaged by a fire in 1711, was rebuilt, while the nave, often redesigned, lost its original character.

Ranked a historical monument in 1930, the church retains mostly post-revolutionary furniture, with the exception of some elements such as a statue of Christ of the eighteenth century. Today, it depends on the parish of Saint-Louis-en-Thelle and hosts occasional celebrations. Its architecture reflects stylistic evolutions between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with marked local influences.

The western facade, sober and unsymmetrical, dates partly from the 12th or 13th century, while the portal and the flamboyant rosace bear witness to subsequent changes. Outside, the Renaissance bedside features foothills decorated with statue niches and sculptures, including human heads and plant motifs. These details, combined with a clock integrated with the pinion, highlight the mix of eras and styles.

The north side, rebuilt in 1842, and the choir's collateral, carved with human heads, illustrate the restorations of the 19th century. Despite these changes, the church remains a remarkable example of the rural religious heritage, where local history, Gothic and Renaissance art blend together, and modern adaptations.

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