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Origin and history

The church Saint-Martin de Juillac-le-Coq, located in the Charente department, finds its origins in the 11th and 12th centuries, as evidenced by the first historical records. It then belonged to the diocese of Saints and was linked to the perpetual vicary of the cathedral chapter of Angoulême, becoming an episcopal seigneury. Its history was marked by destructions between 1568 and 1575, probably linked to the wars of Religion, requiring major restorations from the end of the 16th century.

Rehabilitation work took place over several centuries, with notable interventions in 1595, 1597, 1655, 1679 and 1714, as well as an addition of a sacristy in 1740. In the 19th century, architect Peronnaud carried out important restoration campaigns between 1844 and 1878, including the laying of a stand (1873), the opening of twenty glass windows, and the reconstruction of the facade and brick vaults of the lower side. The building, characterized by a flat bedside, a two-storey square bell tower adorned with columns, and an elevated choir (perhaps an old shelter hall), was inscribed in the Historic Monuments in 1991.

The architecture of the church reflects its multiple periods of construction: the nave under apparent structure, communicating with the lower sides by six arches in full hangar, contrasts with the 16th century chapels, vaulted on dogive crosses and forming a transept framing the square of the bell tower. The latter, with a barlong dome on trunks, illustrates successive stylistic influences. A fortified gate, vestige of the former chapter house, precedes the western entrance of the building, recalling its past linked to the ecclesiastical authority.

The protection of the church in 1991 also includes a cemetery ordeal, highlighting its central role in parish and community life. Owned by the commune, the building preserves traces of its turbulent history, from the destruction of the Renaissance to modern restorations, including its status as a potential refuge room, typical of medieval churches during times of turmoil.

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