Église Saint-Ouen de Périers-sur-le-Dan

The Périers-sur-le-Dan church site contains the remains of a settlement dating back to the Merovingian and Carolingian eras. But the origins of the church date back to the 8th century. It owes its name to Saint Ouen, who was bishop of Rouen from 640 to 684, having played an important role at the court of King Dagobert. After his death, his relics were reputed to perform miracles.

The first building, with its opus spicatum walls, was destroyed in the 9th century, during the great Norman raids. In the 11th century, after the conquest of England in 1066, the Normans built numerous churches and monasteries using the riches brought back from across the Channel. The church of Saint-Ouen was rebuilt at this time, and enlarged by the addition of a side aisle to the north of the nave. The roof was covered with green Cotentin slate.

In the 14th century, frescoes depicting the life of Saint Ouen were painted on the choir walls. Normandy suffered particularly during the Hundred Years' War from 1337 to 1453. The church fell into ruin. After the end of hostilities, the useless aisle was demolished and the dividing wall filled in. Only one arcade was preserved, with its two columns and capitals. The building was covered with red tiles.

In 1914, the building was listed as a Monument Historique. Excavations in 1929 and again in 1970 enabled us to date certain parts of the building, and uncovered Merovingian remains close to the site.

In 1980-1981, consolidation and restoration work enabled the choir to be reopened for the Saint-Ouen festival and heritage days.