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Origin and history

The Church of Saint-Martin de Cires-lès-Mello, located in the Oise department, is a religious building whose oldest parts date back to the late twelfth century. Founded under the patronage of the bishop of Beauvais, it was then placed under the abbey of Saint-Denis in 1183. The early Gothic-style transept and choir were built at that time, while the nave and its lower side, dated from the years 1230-1250, illustrate an elevation on three levels with large arcades and high triplet windows.

In the 15th century, the church suffered major damage during the Hundred Years' War, including the collapse of the cross tower and the vaults of the choir. These destructions led to the partial reconstruction of the bell tower over the south side and the addition of false cradle vaults in the eastern parts. The crucifix windows were equipped with flamboyant networks in the 16th century, while minor restorations took place in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the enhancement of the nave floor and the replacement of the remplage of the western rosewood.

Ranked a historic monument in 1906, the church retains remarkable elements such as its 13th century western porch, topped by an acute mess, and an octagonal staircase turret. Inside, the nave, homogeneous and well preserved, contrasts with the choir, marked by traces of ruins and successive reconstructions. The furniture includes classified rooms, such as a statue of the Charity of Saint Martin (XVI century) and a Virgin with the Child (XIV-15th century), reflecting the artistic and historical richness of the site.

The church, originally an independent parish, is now attached to the parish of Sainte-Claire de Mouy. It remains an active place of worship, with Sunday Masses celebrated every Sunday at 10am. Its architecture, combining primitive Gothic, radiant and flamboyant, reflects the stylistic evolutions and historical hazards of the region, from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

The site, located on the Place de l'Eglise in Cires-lès-Mello, dominates the ancient valley of Therain, subjected to repeated floods. Its central location, in a village historically linked to the Barony of Mello, makes it a major heritage marker of the Hauts-de-France. Limited restorations since the 20th century preserve its authenticity, despite specific degradations such as erosion of capitals or pillars bases.

Among the architectural peculiarities are the triplets of the high windows of the nave, rare for side bays, and the sculpted blazes in the chapels, including an atlante and a human bust. The exterior, sober but harmonious, is marked by the western facade and its foothills, as well as by the picturesque thread of the three southern gables (porch, sacristy, crusillon).

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