Church of Saint Martin de Roisel dans la Somme

Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Martin de Roisel, located in the department of the Somme, was completely destroyed during the First World War, like the majority of the town. Its bell tower was dynamized by German troops. The reconstruction began in 1928 according to the plans of the Parisian architect Jacques Debat-Ponsan, revealing underground remains such as galleries and saps. The work was completed in 1930, giving the village an iconic place of worship.

The building adopts a traditional brick basilica plan, with a nave of three spans, a transept and a choir illuminated by triangular windows. The bell tower, which dominates the whole, has a concrete pediment and a pyramidal arrow covered with zinc. The tympanum of the portal, carved by Maurice Guiraud-Rivière, represents Saint Martin sharing his coat, symbol of Christian charity.

Inside, the walls coated with white contrast with the stone furniture of Comblanchien, made by the amiénois Marcel Sueur. The coloured concrete cross path (1933) is signed by the Darras-Delahaye workshop, while the glass windows of the choir and transept are the work of the Parisian Jacques Damon. The wooden elements, like altars, were designed by Gustave Tattegrain, illustrating the local craftsmanship of the time.

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