Church of Saint Marcouf, Normandy

A church with a chequered history.

It is about two kilometres from the Eastern coast of Cotentin in Normandy, a little northwards of the D-Day beach (Utah Beach).

An abbey was founded on this site by Saint Marcouf in about 530AD.  During the following centuries it suffered from frequent Viking raids, and later was reconstructed as a church.  The present church is in part Romanesque, part Gothic style.

It has an intact Merovingian crypt and Carolingian fonts.  It had (and still has) a miraculous fountain, a place of pilgrimage for sufferers of skin ailments.

During World War II  the German occupation forces established in the immediate vicinity of this village three batteries of Skoda 210mm guns.  These would comprise a significant danger to any invasion feet, and the Allies decided that the batteries must be destroyed at all costs.  Aerial and naval bombardments started on 5th June 1944, the day before D-Day, and fighting for control of these sites continued until 12th June.  In the process most of the village was destroyed and 44 villagers were killed. 

The shell-cases in the graveyard of this photo are a poignant reminder of the destruction and loss of life.

Well worth a visit - a fascinating place.