In the forest village of Saint-Léger-aux-Bois, which has around 750 inhabitants, near Compiègne (Oise), sits a magnificent example of Romanesque art, almost a thousand years old.
“There are almost none left in the department.
It is even the oldest church in the department, built in 1083. And nine centuries after its construction, it is still standing!
» If Tom Maubant, 23 years old, representative of his village for the association “Les Saint-Léger de France et d'ailleurs”, has difficulty hiding his enthusiasm, he does not hide his concern any better.
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Because this exceptional piece of Oisian heritage, classified as a Historic Monument in 1913, is in poor condition.
From its rich hours of glory, the building still retains its presence but it is gradually falling apart.
“When the wind blows, it lifts the tiles which come loose.
This causes infiltration,” notes Noëlle Cardon, president of Friends of the Church, while pointing to a small pool of water on the carpet at the foot of the altar.
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