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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of the Nativity-Notre-Dame de Beaumais, located in Calvados in Normandy, is a Catholic building built mainly in the twelfth century. Its architectural importance is explained by the early density of the local population and the influence of Richard de Beaumais, bishop of London from 1108 to 1128, a major figure linked to his history. The monument, marked by Romanesque elements such as the gate, the tower and the choir, underwent notable changes, including the reconstruction of the nave in the 19th century and the addition of a seigneurial chapel at the end of the 15th century.

Ranked a historic monument on November 3, 1930, this church illustrates the influence of the Kenyan constructions while having itself inspired other buildings, such as the Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais church of Courcy. Its choir and bell tower date from the early 12th century, while the western facade and the northern chapel date back to the 15th century. After a fire around 1107, Richard de Beaumais, then bishop of London, would have contributed to his reconstruction, strengthening his link with the abbey Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, to which the patronage was given in 1120.

The church preserves traces of its medieval past despite subsequent restorations. His former diocese, Sées, and his attachment to the abbey of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives underline his spiritual and historical role in the region. Today, it remains a major architectural testimony of Normandy, mixing Romanesque heritage and late Gothic additions, while being owned by the commune of Beaumais.

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