The Belfry of Saint Riquier

The original belfry was one of the first large towers in the region, as Saint-Riquier obtained its community charter in 1126.

Unfortunately, being too close to the powerful Benedictine abbey established in the town, it was destroyed following jealous demands by the abbots, before being rebuilt in 1283 on its present position.

Partially devastated by Louis XI’s troops in 1475, as was the town which was Burgundian, it was 53 years before it was rebuilt. Restored one year before the French Revolution, it acquired its present appearance, harmoniously blending sandstone and limestone.

The present crown, which dates from that time, houses Magdalaine, a bell cast in 1571. It was also in 1788 that they filled in the "cul-de-basse-fosse", a sinister underground dungeon designed for certain convicts.

Until October 2005, one of its rooms, called the "auditoire" or audience, was still occupied by the town hall which celebrated weddings and held municipal council meetings there.