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Origin and history

The church of Saint John, dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist, finds its origins between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries as an integral part of a Benedictine priory founded by the Count of Nevers. This priory, initially occupied by canons following the rule of Saint Augustine, was attached to the chapter of Notre-Dame de Semur-en-Auxois. Partially destroyed during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), it was rebuilt at the end of the 14th century, as evidenced by a pastoral visit report of 1378-1379. From 1513 to 1520, the priors became comndataires, no longer residing there, marking the decline of monastic life in Bard.

In the 17th century, the church underwent major transformations: the nave was framed by two sides, and the belfry was rebuilt in 1611 and 1618. In 1618, the bell tower was completed, while in 1863 two side chapels were added, forming collaterals. The priory, already in poor condition in the eighteenth century, was sold as a national good in 1791. The descriptions of 1752 reveal modest buildings, comparable to a farm, with a church serving as a chapel and some traces of religious life, such as a Moynes' room.

During the Revolution, the priory was acquired by Mr. Leconte for 18 500 pounds, then divided between various owners. In the 19th century, only the church remains, the other buildings having disappeared or collapsed, like a house of the 16th century formerly called priory. The church, now parish, preserves medieval elements (soubasation of the nave, base of the bell tower) while integrating additions from the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. It was registered in the Historical Monuments in 1991 and today belongs to the commune of Bard.

The priory of Bard, mentioned in 1218 as Locus de Bar, was a possession of the Count of Forez, Guy V, who bequeathed him in 1239 to the seigneury of Ecotay. Affiliated to Manglieu Abbey in Auvergne, it housed an active monastic community until the 16th century, marked by local brotherhoods (Saint-Blaise in 1343, Holy Spirit in 1488). Its decline began with the departure of the monks around 1725, transforming the site into an agricultural estate operated by farmers.

The current remains of the Saint John church reflect these historical strata: a vaulted nave pierced with windows, a rebuilt bell tower, and side chapels added to the 19th century. Excavations and archives also reveal traces of ancient doors against the south wall, the last testimonies of the missing priorial buildings. Today, the building, a communal property, remains the only tangible vestige of this monastic and parish past.

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