Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Pierre de Flers-Bourg, located in the present district of Flers-lez-Lille in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, has its origins before the 11th century, as evidenced by graves discovered under the choir. These remains suggest the presence of a religious building prior to the foundation of Lille. The church, originally linked to the seigneury of Roques, had a defensive tower pierced by murderers, reflecting its role in local protection.

In the 15th century, the church underwent extensive expansion, with a nave with 16th century sandstone columns. The current tower, built between 1520 and 1530, replaces an older structure. In 1566, iconoclasts destroyed statues in the church, marking a violent episode of its history. At that time, she was dependent on the Collège Saint-Pierre de Lille, highlighting her regional religious importance.

Church architecture combines medieval and Renaissance elements. The carved wooden gate, classified as a historical monument, bears the weapons of Charles-Quint and a tromeau depicting Saint Peter. The nave, vaulted in a cradle in 1850, and the lower sides with a plaster vault illustrate stylistic evolutions. Two chapels, dedicated to the Virgin Mary (XIIIth century) and Saint Peter (before 1574), complete the building. In 2013, the belfry was renovated, with a rotation of a quarter turn to align the swing of the bells on the axis of the nave.

The portal and its vantals, decorated with Charles-Quint's bicephalous eagle and the Gold Fleece necklace, are the only elements classified as historical monuments since 1977. The rest of the church is listed in the Additional Inventory of Historic Monuments. These protections underline the heritage value of a building marked by centuries of religious and architectural history in the Hauts-de-France.

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