Church of Saint Martin of Ailly-sur-Noye dans la Somme

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Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Martin church of Ailly-sur-Noye, located in the Somme 20 km from Amiens, replaces an earlier building destroyed after the Franco-German War of 1870. The old church, weakened by the passage of Prussian trains carrying artillery, collapsed partly, including its bell tower, requiring its demolition. This context of conflict deeply marked local history, accelerating the decision to rebuild a stronger place of worship.

The construction of the present church began in 1898 under the direction of architect Paul Delefortrie, combining neo-Roman (for structure) and neo-Gothic (for vaults). The materials used—Gannes red and white bricks, Saint-Maximin limestone—reflect local resources. Its lateral entrance, on the north transept, is surmounted by a monumental porch and a slate bell tower, an original architectural arrangement for the period.

Inside the church, with vaults culminating at 20 meters, houses major heritage elements. Among them was the slate schist tomb of Jean d-Haubourdin (Jean de Luxembourg) and his wife Jacqueline de La Tremoille, dating from the 15th century, although mutilated in 1793. This funerary monument, surrounded by sculptures of small characters, is surmounted by a triptych ex-voto representing the Crucifixion. Other works, such as a 15th-century Homo Ecce or 17th-18th-century statues (Saint Martin, Saint Roch), enrich the furniture heritage.

Damaged in 1918 during the First World War, the church was restored a century later, between 2019 and 2020. His commemorative stained glass windows, created in 1954 by Gérard Ansart and Jean-Marie Macron (atelier Cagnart d The podium organ, installed in 1924 by Van der Brande House, completes this artistic ensemble. These recent restorations underline the contemporary attachment to the preservation of this historic place.

The Church of Saint Martin thus illustrates the historical upheavals of the region, from the 19th century conflicts to the reconstructions of the 20th century. Its eclectic architecture and furniture, classified or listed as historical monuments, make it a major witness to the religious and artistic heritage of Hauts-de-France.

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