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Origin and history

Sainte-Marguerite Church, located in the delegated commune of Sainte-Marguerite-en-Ouche (Eure, Normandy), is a medieval building whose origins date back to at least the twelfth century. A charter of donation to Bernay Abbey, signed by King Henry II in 1156, attests to this first written mention. The church underwent several construction and renovation campaigns, notably in the 13th and 16th centuries, as well as after the Hundred Years War. Its architecture is part of the Norman tradition, with possible comparisons with other churches in the region, such as that of Selles.

One of the church's major assets is its exceptional medieval structures, some of which date back to the second half of the 13th century – a rare case in France. The belfry, with its structures of the late 13th century, is part of a set of only 10 French churches maintaining similar structures, alongside the cathedral of Bayeux or the church of Saint-Père de Chartres. These elements testify to the technical mastery of the artisans of the time and the remarkable preservation of the heritage.

The murals discovered in 2012 under modern coatings reveal a rich religious decor, including a representation of the Last Supper probably dating back to the 12th century – the oldest known in the Eure department. These frescoes, partially restored, illustrate scenes like Saint Michael or hanged men, and suggest a larger decoration, now gone. A large part of these works have been erased by several baffling campaigns (XVIIth–XVIIIth centuries), but the remaining remains evoke a pastoral will by the image, typical of medieval churches.

The building was listed as a historic monument on March 22, 2019, recognizing its heritage value. The sacristy, added in the 19th century, completes a collection of nearly a thousand years of history. The painted decorations, though lacunary, offer an overview of the religious and artistic life in Normandy, between building the faithful and sacralizing space. The church remains a valuable testimony of Norman medieval art, often unknown outside of large urban centres.

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