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Origin and history

The church of Saint Eloi, built in 1432 in Hazebrouck (North), is an emblematic example of Gothic Hall Church. Dedicated to Saint Eloi, it is the oldest monument in the city. His history was marked by successive destruction: burned in 1492 by Charles VIII's troops, his arrow, erected in 1512, was badly damaged in 1940 by the Germans during World War II. The arrow was only reconstructed identically in 1994, thus restoring its original profile culminating at 77 meters.

The architecture of the church combines ferroruginous sandstone for the base and bricks arranged in geometric motifs (cross of St Andrew, lion, bicephalous eagle). Its bell tower, 39.50 meters high, and its white stone arrow (32 meters) illustrate medieval know-how. The lateral chapels, such as that of the Arbalters (1551, flamboyant Gothic style) or that dedicated to Saint Anne, reflect the influence of local guilds and societies in their financing and decoration.

The rich and varied interior furniture covers centuries. Among the notable pieces are an 18th-century altarpiece depicting St.Eloi carried away by angels, statues of St. Thérèse of Avila (marble) or St.Sebastien, as well as a classified organ of the 18th-18th century. The stained glass windows, created in 1954 by Julien Vosch after the cartons of Canon Pruvost, illustrate the beatitudes. The church, classified as a historical monument in 1984, embodies both the religious heritage and the tormented history of the region.

The destruction suffered over the centuries — especially during conflicts — has required major restorations. The reconstruction of the arrow in 1994 symbolizes the resilience of this place of worship, which is still active and open to the public. Modern altars (1965–1970), made by the workshops of St Paul's Abbey in Wisques, are alongside ancient elements such as the 17th century stalls or baptismal fonts, showing liturgical and artistic continuity.

The church of Saint-Eloi also plays a memorial role, housing a monument to the deaths of the First World War, carved by Pierre Vanbesien. This mix of religious, historical and commemorative functions makes it a central site for the Hazebrouckois community, while attracting lovers of Gothic heritage and sacred art.

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