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Origin and history

La Pierre Saint-Martin is a neolithic polisher located in Saint-Cyr-du-Bailleul, in the Manche department of Normandy. This monument consists of a white quartzite block of trapezoidal shape (1.15 m × 1.10 m × 0.75 m), slightly inclined and emerges at 0.35 m from the ground. Its surface, entirely polished, has eight grooves and seven bowls, although their exact counting is difficult. A 6 cm deep ovalary hole is visible on its side, associated with a local legend evoking a missing source.

According to oral tradition, Saint Martin would have watered his horse at this source, before it dried up after an attempt to move the stone by peasants, causing a diluvian rain. The grooves would be traces of plagues (or swords) attributed to the saint. In the 19th century, the site was a place of pilgrimage for the feverish sick, who deposited monetary offerings there. Another belief mentions a buried treasure nearby.

The polisher was classified as historical monuments by decree of 5 December 1977, recognizing its archaeological and heritage importance. Studies, such as those of Léon Coutil (1906) or G. Verron (1979), highlight his role in Neolithic tool polishing practices. Today, there remains a rare testimony of prehistoric activities in Normandy, linked to persistent folk tales.

The available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) confirm its status as a protected monument and its precise location near the so-called "La Gevousière". The site, although little documented on its conditions of visit, retains a strong symbolic value, mixing megalithic heritage and medieval Christian legends.

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