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Origin and history

Les Pierres Jumelles, also known as Pierres du Diable or Demoiselles d的Acq, are two blocks of 3 and 3.30 meters high rough sandstone, 8.90 metres away, located near the hamlet of Ecoivres (Mont-Saint-Éloi, Pas-de-Calais). Their origin remains uncertain: erected in the Neolithic as menhirs, or in the Carolingian era as steles. Their mass, estimated at 8 tons each, and their alignment raise questions about their primary function, reinforced by ambiguous archaeological discoveries.

In 1820, the Earl of Brandt-de-Galametz, owner of the premises, discovered between the stones coffins in sandstone containing iron weapons, suggesting a contemporary or later tomb to the monoliths. An earlier search, conducted in 1763 by the Count of Brandt de Marconne (Lord of Escoivres), had revealed no artifacts. These elements, coupled with the columns of the local abbey written by Georges Wartel, fuel the debate on their dating, between prehistory and the Middle Ages.

Several legends explain their presence. The most widespread link between the stones and the Devil: this one, deceived by the premature song of a cock during a pact with Queen Brunehaut or a local farmer, would have thrown these blocks into his anger. Another version evokes young girls of Acq, transformed into stone for having come back late from a ball. Finally, the oral tradition and chronicles of the abbey attribute their erection to Baudouin I of Flanders in 862, commemorating his victories over Charles II the Chauve, king of France, after his abduction from Judith, daughter of the latter.

Classified as Historical Monuments in 1889 under the name "Menhir dit Les Pierres Jumelles", these stones symbolize both an archaeological mystery and a legendary heritage rooted in local history. Their exact location (cadastre D 144) and conservation status are monitored, although their geographical accuracy is considered "a priori satisfactory" (note 7/10) by official sources.

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