Doesn’t the name Rue de la Somme Py whisper tales of resilience and heritage? This street, found not in Paris but in Argenteuil, carries a name echoing a region steeped in history. Let’s journey back in time, not to this exact location, but to the area that lends the street its name.
Rue’s story begins centuries ago. Vikings from Ry in Jutland founded it in the 9th century. Rue flourished as a port in the County of Ponthieu. It sat amid marshlands between the English Channel and the Bay of Somme.
In 1101, Rue became a pilgrimage destination. A boat carrying the Crucifix of the Holy Spirit ran aground there. Kings, queens and pilgrims came to worship the relic. A century later, Rue gained freedoms. The Count of Ponthieu granted its people a municipal charter.
The Hundred Years War brought damage. Rue’s strategic importance made it a target. But the town rebuilt itself in the late 15th century. Many present-day structures date from this time. Military works fortified the city. Lunettes and bastions shielded it. In 1670, Colbert ordered their dismantlement. This followed the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.
Visitors to Rue can explore remnants of these fortifications. Marked trails guide the way. Rue boasts monuments like the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. There is also the Chapel of the Hospice, the Belfry and the Church of Saint Wulphy. But Rue is most famous for the Mysterious Crucifix of the Holy Spirit.
The Miraculous Crucifix has a legend of its own. On the first Sunday of August in 1100, a vessel appeared off the coast of Rue. It lacked mast, sail or rudder. The vessel carried a larger-than-life Crucifix. It was said to have belonged to Nicodemus, one of Christ’s disciples. Believers saw the boat’s arrival as divine providence. They thought St. Wulphy, Rue’s first priest, guided it. The Crucifix found its home in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Pilgrims flocked to it from everywhere.
Later, Abbeville coveted Rue’s prosperity. The neighboring town wanted the Crucifix. They petitioned the Parliament of Paris. They hoped for a decree in their favor. But divine intervention occurred again. As the carriage carrying the Crucifix headed towards Abbeville, the horses stopped. An unseen force immobilized them. The Crucifix was destined to remain in Rue. It was a testament to faith’s power.
The Chapel of the Holy Spirit is a Flamboyant architecture masterpiece in Picardie. Built between 1440 and 1514, it sheltered pilgrims. They came to venerate the Crucifix. Royalty and humble seekers visited Rue. They enriched the city’s culture. Inside the chapel, vaults and Treasury showcase artistic mastery. Lace-like sculptures exemplify Gothic Flamboyant design. Albert Siffait de Moncourt painted canvases for the nave. These paintings bring the Crucifix legends to life.
The Chapel de l’Hospice dates back to the 12th century. It offered refuge to destitute pilgrims. The Hundred Years War destroyed both the hospice and chapel. But they were rebuilt. The current chapel, built in the 16th century, honors Saint-Nicolas and Santiago de Compostela. Its vault curves like an inverted boat hull. This symbolizes spiritual journey and protection. Religious art treasures reside within. A canvas depicts ‘St Augustine writing his memoirs’.
The original Church of Saint Wulphy was built in the 12th century. It honored Saint Wulphy, Rue’s first priest. The steeple served as a guide for seafarers. A storm destroyed the church on February 21, 1798. Charles Sordi, a local resident, led efforts to rebuild it. Between 1828 and 1833, a new neo-Classical marvel emerged. It preserved original features from its Romanesque predecessor.
The Belfry of Rue stands as a proud symbol. It earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Dating back to 1214, it formed part of Rue’s fortifications. Over centuries, it faced conflict. It underwent damage and reconstruction. Its lower section dates back to the 15th century. A spiral staircase leads to the Aldermen Hall. Above, the Salle des Gardes housed sentinels. The old city jail bears witness to human drama. In the 19th century, neo-Gothic wings were added. Albert Siffait de Moncourt adorned the Justice Court with paintings.
Rue is a picturesque town. It is also a Green Holiday Resort. Despite its small size, it holds heritage. Timbered houses adorn its medieval lanes. Aviation enthusiasts can explore the Musée des Frères Caudron.
So, as we stand on Rue de la Somme Py, remember Argenteuil’s connection to this historic region. While we are not in Rue, we honor its legacy. It is a legacy of faith, resilience and artistic splendor.