Church Notre-Dame 17th century
This romanesque style church was built during the 11th and 12th century. The oldest mention of this building can be found in one of the most precious artifact kept in Calvados’ archives, namely the Montgomery’s Charter from 1080, which is a compilation of contributions made made by high profile members of William the Conqueror’s court. Then Viscount of Bayeux and Avranche but also Count of Chester, Ranulph gives the church of Biéville as well as its tithe over to Saint-Etienne Abbey in Caen. The construction of the abbey had begun 20 years prior at Ranulph’s famous uncle request, William the Conqueror himself.
It is not easy to trace back what tied Ranulph to Biéville. It seems that following his father’s death on Hastings battlefield in 1066, William gave him numerous fiefdoms which would include Biéville.
The church was repurposed during the Middle Ages and thus especially during the Hundred Years’ War during whuch it was converted into a fortress. Two of the ribbed vault shaped windows added between the 14th and 15th century were replaced by neo-romanesque door and arcatures on the chancel’s side between 1892 and 1910.
As for the interior, the tabarnacle, altar, altarpiece and Assumption painting date back to the 18th centurywhereas the neo-romanesque sacristy was built in the 19th century.
On June 7th 1944, the British troops almost completely destroyed the bell tower while attempting to shoot down a German sniper. The church wouldn’t be fully restored until 1960.
The municipality owned building has been listed as an Historical Monument since 1910.
