Saint-Léger de Montfey Church dans l'Aube

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Léger de Montfey, located in the Aube department in the Grand Est region, is a Romanesque building whose western portal dates from the 12th century. Built on a rectangular plane, it is entirely vaulted with a five-span nave. Originally, the 16th century church, financed by a local patron, was 30 metres long and could accommodate more than 300 faithful. However, it was partially destroyed during the French Revolution, where it even served as a saltpeter warehouse. Rebuilt in the 20th century, it now retains only its choir and two spans, which can accommodate about 90 people. The new church was blessed in 1955 by the bishop of Troyes.

The church furniture is particularly rich and classified for some elements. Among the notable pieces are a statue of the Virgin in painted stone dating from 1518, a bentier and 12th century baptismal fonts, and a 16th century swimming pool. A statue of Saint John the Baptist, also from 1518, and wooden statues of Saint Léger and Saint Tanche complete this ensemble. The original stained glass windows, deposited in 1939 at the Museum of Fine Arts in Troyes, were replaced by a stained glass window by Vincent Feste (1868) illustrating the legend of Saint Léger. This window depicts several scenes of the saint's life, including his death and associated miracles.

The church also has an independent belfry, built in the adjoining cemetery, housing a melted bell in 1600. This bell, classified as a historic monument, bears the names of the donors and godmothers of the time. She was the only survivor of the church of the sixteenth century, the others having been melted in 1790 to beat change. The belfry, with a pyramidal roof, allows for manual movement of the bell thanks to a system accessible about 1.50 meters from the ground.

The building was initially attached to the dean of Saint-Florentin, under the collation of the bishop of Sens. During the Revolution, the church, falling into ruin, was reduced to its present state. The reconstruction of the 20th century preserved some ancient elements, such as a 12th century model from the old church of Léry, as well as architectural details such as snails and winged monster carved on the side door.

Historical sources also mention donations from the local population, such as the statue of Saint John the Baptist offered by a parish priest named John. These elements bear witness to the Montfeyens' attachment to their church, which has gone through centuries despite the vicissitudes of history, including revolutionary destructions and subsequent reconstructions.

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