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Origin and history

The Church of Santiago de Montebourg is a Catholic building built in the first third of the 14th century (1318-1329) under the impetus of Father Pierre Ozenne, thanks to his generosity. It was erected in just a decade, on the site of an old 11th century chapel dedicated to Saint James, which explains its remarkably homogeneous Gothic architecture. Consecrated on September 2, 1329 by Guillaume de Thieuville, bishop of Coutances, she presented capitals decorated with cabbage and chestnut leaves, with the exception of an older capital representing a hare and characters.

In the 19th century, modifications were made after the movement of the adjacent cemetery: the nave having moved away, the southern foothills were strengthened and the roof of the nave transformed. The bell tower, initially squared with geminate berries and an openwork balustrade, was enhanced in the 15th century by an octagonal arrow. This bell tower, a pioneer in the Plain, served as an observatory for the Germans during the battle of June 1944, suffering heavy damage during the American bombings. It was rebuilt after the war, just like the arrow, whose soft edges and openwork bell towers recall the original Gothic style.

The church houses remarkable furniture, including a statue of St James the Apostle in 15th century English alabaster, offered by Bishop Le Nordez, and listed as a historical monument. There are also 12th century Norman-inspired baptismal fonts decorated with interlaces and human heads, as well as a 20th century glass window by Pierre Potet. The portal, inspired by that of Saint-Mère-Église but enriched with blind archatures, illustrates the influence of Saintonge's Romanesque churches. Since May 18, 1925, the church has witnessed both medieval piety and modern upheavals.

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