Church of Saint Michael of Lawarde-Mauger dans la Somme

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Origin and history

Saint-Michel de Lawarde-Mauger Church is a Catholic building located in the village of Lawarde-Mauger, capital of the municipality of Lawarde-Mauger-l'Hortoy, in the department of the Somme (Hauts-de-France). Built in brick, it is distinguished by its unique vessel, comprising a nave and a choir finished with a rounded apse. This monument is emblematic of the post-Second World War reconstruction in the region.

The original church was completely destroyed, like the rest of the village, during the battles of the Battle of France in June 1940. This conflict deeply marked Picardia, a region on the front line. The reconstruction of the building took place in 1956, in a sober style, reflecting the techniques and materials available from the post-war period. Today, it depends on the parish of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul in Val de Noye, attached to the diocese of Amiens.

Inside, the church houses a 16th-century Passion altarpiece, classified as a Historic Monument since 1897. This altarpiece, saved from the ruins of the ancient church, represents carved scenes such as the Arrestation of Jesus, the Flagellation or the Resurrection, with in the background landscapes illustrating the Coronation of thorns. A 19th century Virgin and Child, listed as a Historic Monument in 1980, completes this remarkable artistic heritage.

Historical sources mention the church in works such as the historical and monumental Picardie (1900-1903) by Xavier de Bonnault d'Houët, highlighting its local importance. The altarpiece, in particular, is documented as a rare example of Renaissance picardic religious art, surviving modern destruction.

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