Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Laurent d'Éclaron, located in the village of Éclaron (comune d'Éclaron-Braucourt-Sainte-Livière, Grand Est), was built in 1506 by René II of Lorraine, then Baron d'Éclaron. In a flamboyant Gothic style, it is distinguished by a nave with three ships of equal height, an overflowing transept and a polygonal bedside choir. The arch keys, historiated, initially carried the weapons of René II, erased in 1641 by order of Richelieu after the rebellion of Charles of Lorraine against Louis XIII. The wooden bell tower, destroyed by fire in 1811, was rebuilt in 1856-1857 with an arrow restored in 2005.

The building underwent several major changes: a western porch (mortuary of the Comitin) was added in 1619, its side doors walled in 1843, and the terracotta floor replaced by a pavement in 1862. Consecrated in 1627 by Bishop Henri Clausse, the church houses exceptional furniture, including an 18th-century organ (classified in 1965) from the abbey of Jovilliers, baptismal fonts of 1614, and a 17th-century pulpit to preach. Ranked a historic monument in 1909, it illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of the region.

The liturgical furniture, partially classified, also includes an 18th-century altarpiece with a painting of the martyrdom of Saint Laurent (1639), an 18th-century beam of glory, and a 1619 cast iron bentier offered by Guillaume Hurbal and his wife. These elements testify to the artistic richness of the church, linked to its central role in parish life. The 19th century stained glass windows of the choir complete this heritage complex, while the bell tower arrow, deposited in 1960 and restored, dominates the local landscape.

The history of the church is marked by links with the House of Lorraine: René II, then Charles de Lorraine (duc de Guise), left their mark there, as evidenced by the modifications of the vault keys. The western porch, vaulted with warheads, still carries the arms of the Comitin, an influential local family. The building, owned by the commune, remains a symbol of the medieval and classical heritage of the Haute-Marne, between sacred architecture and seigneurial memory.

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