Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Mesnil-sur-l'Estrée, classified as a Historic Monument, has its origins in the late 15th century or early 16th century. Built in a masonry of flint on a rectangular plane, it reflects the rural religious architecture of this period. His history was marked by successive interventions, notably those of architect Cissey between 1864 and 1867, which profoundly altered his structure: opening new bays, moving the bell tower and raising the nave. These works transform the building while preserving its medieval character.

The interior decoration, probably dating from the late 19th century, is now almost entirely preserved. However, the original stained glass windows were destroyed during the 1944 bombings, a tragic episode of World War II that marked the local heritage for a long time. The reconstruction of the glass windows was entrusted to renowned artists, including François Décorchemont, who made in 1947 a series of four stained glass windows for the choir, representing biblical scenes such as Saint John, Saint Madeleine and the Good Samaritan. These works are distinguished by their chromatic richness and narrative composition, typical of the artist's style.

The stained glass windows of Duhamel-Marette, dating from the late 19th century, as well as a composition of three glass windows executed by Campin in 1955, complete this artistic ensemble. These additions illustrate the evolution of stained glass techniques and styles over more than a century, while at the same time demonstrating efforts to restore and embellish the building after the destruction of the war. The church, owned by the commune, was fully listed in the inventory of Historic Monuments by decree of 22 September 2010, thus recognizing its heritage and artistic value.

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