Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Saint-Pierre du Ham Church, also known as Notre-Dame, is a Catholic building located in the commune of Ham, in the Manche department, Normandy. Partly dating from the 11th century, it features a nave, façade and Romanesque portal, while its Gothic choir dates back to the 13th century. The bell tower, in a building, completes this varied architectural ensemble. The portal, a remarkable element, was listed as historic monuments by order of 9 July 1927.

The history of the church is linked to that of the priory of Ham. According to Louis Sandet, in his book The Old Church of France, the Priory was dedicated to Saint Peter, while the Prioral Church was placed under the name of Notre Dame. An altar from the former Ham Abbey, destroyed during the Norman invasions, was found in 1690 and is now preserved at the Valognes media library. This altar bears witness to the historical links between the present church and the earlier religious establishments in the region.

Inside the church houses rich and partially classified furniture. Among the notable pieces are a 14th-century Virgin with Child, statues of St. Peter, St. Fromund (XIVth century) and St. Barbe (XVIth century), as well as 17th-century baptismal fonts. A 20th century window and a statue of Saint Paul in polychrome wood complete this set. These elements illustrate the artistic and religious evolution of the site throughout the centuries.

The protection of the monument is currently limited to the gate, registered in 1927. Although the building is owned by the municipality of Ham, its state of conservation and its openness to the public are not specified in available sources. Its exact location, at Val, west of the municipality, is attested by the data of the Merimée database and GPS coordinates.

External links