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Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Cocherel, located in the hamlet of Cocherel in Houlbec-Cocherel (Eure), is considered one of the first medieval churches of Christianity. Destroyed in the seventh century under Clovis II, it was rebuilt by the Lord of Acquigny and blessed by Saint Aquilin, bishop of Evreux, then taking the name of Notre-Dame-des-Vœux because of the pilgrimages that took place there. A Norman chronicle mentions his protection in 911-912 by Raoul, leader of the Normans, at the request of the Archbishop of Rouen.

In the 13th century the church was given to the religious of the abbey of Saint-Ouen de Rouen by the lord of Acquigny, confirmed in 1205 by Lucas, bishop of Évreux. It then became parishioner and retained this status until 1575, when the seigneury of Cocherel passed to the Le Prevost family, which ruled it until 1725. Since the Revolution, it belongs to the commune. Two major restorations took place in the 20th century, in 1955 and 1983, carried by the inhabitants and the town hall.

The current building, mainly dating from the 16th century, features sober architecture with an 18th century bell tower. Its western portal, in basket handle, is decorated with Gothic motifs. The choir, separated from the transept by an ogival arch, houses remarkable works: a reproduction of the Wedding of the Virgin of Raphael (XIXth century), statues classified as Sainte Barbe (XVIe) or Saint Jacques de Compostelle (classified in 1990), and stained glass windows signed André Pierre (1956).

The site, including the church, cemetery and tomb of Aristide Briand, was classified in 1934 for its cultural heritage. An engraved stone of 1672, founded by Jean de La Vigne (former bishop of Vernon), attests to perpetual masses financed for his family. Paving and furniture (Bientier XV-XVIe, stone altar) bear witness to its liturgical and community history.

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