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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Denis de Poix-de-Picardie, located in the Somme in the Hauts-de-France region, is built on Montcille, a picturesque mound once occupied by a temple dedicated to Mercury. Its strategic location, accessible by Porte-Boiteux Street, makes it a protective symbol of the city. The present building, in flamboyant Gothic style, incorporates the remains of a priory founded in the 12th century by Gauthier Tyrel III, dependent on Saint Quentin Abbey of Beauvais.

The history of the church is marked by repeated destruction: burned in 1346 by Edward III of England before the Battle of Crécy, then in 1358 by the James, and again in 1472 by Charles the Temerary. The current reconstruction began in 1538 under the leadership of Jean VII de Créquy, Prince of Poix, and his wife Josesine de Soissons-Moreuil, according to the plans of architect Jean Valon. Only the medieval building remains the base of the 12th century bell tower and a wall.

The church, classified as a historical monument in 1910, has three functions: chapel of the Priory Saint-Denis, parish church and place of worship for the inhabitants of the castle. Damaged during the Revolution (transformed into a warehouse and then a stable), it was restored in the 19th century and after the fighting of 1940, which partially destroyed its vaults and seigneurial chapel. The restoration works (1947-1962) aim to preserve its exceptional sculpted decoration, including its 44 hanging vault keys adorned with coats of arms.

Its Latin cross architecture, without collateral, is distinguished by a facade adorned with a statue of Saint Denis and a luminous interior with vaults of liernes and thirdons. The vault keys of the 16th century choir illustrate religious mysteries (Trinity, Redemption) surrounded by biblical figures and coats of arms from the houses of Créqui and Blanchefort. Modern stained glass (1965) replaces original ones, while a Gonzalez organ (1940) completes its furniture.

The excavations of the 1970s reveal structures of the anterior church, confirming its medieval anchor. Despite historical hazards (storms, floods, fires), the building remains a major testimony to the patronage of the Princes of Poix and late Gothic art in Picardia. Today, it is a communal property and welcomes worship and visits, perpetuating its central role in local life.

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