Church of Notre-Dame de Ranville (Église Notre-Dame de Ranville)
About Church of Notre-Dame de Ranville (Église Notre-Dame de Ranville)
The Church of Notre-Dame de Ranville combines a 19th-century nave with a medieval bell tower dating from the 11th-12th century, featuring distinctive herringbone masonry at its base. The original wooden church burned multiple times before being replaced by the current structure in 1860, though the ancient bell tower was preserved as a watchtower overlooking the Orne River. The adjoining churchyard holds 47 Commonwealth war graves including Lieutenant Den Brotheridge, the first Allied soldier killed in action on D-Day during the assault on Pegasus Bridge. Inside, a stained glass window commemorates the 6th Airborne Division. Ranville was the first French village liberated on June 6, 1944, making this site a significant stop for visitors interested in WWII history. The church is open for visits on weekday afternoons, with extended morning hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Interesting Facts
According to local legend, the medieval bell tower was built by lepers who had a camp at the former 'Château du Heaume' farm. This may explain why Saint Roch, patron saint of lepers, became the secondary patron of the commune of Ranville.
Lieutenant Den Brotheridge, buried in the churchyard, never learned he had become a father. His wife Margaret was eight months pregnant when he left for Normandy, and their daughter was born two weeks after his death at Pegasus Bridge.
German forces used the medieval bell tower as an observation post from 1940 until the D-Day liberation. A wartime shell damaged the stone slab at the summit, and when it was replaced after 1945, no trace was found of the English soldier's remains that local legend claimed were buried there since the Hundred Years' War.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
3 Rue Airbornes, 14860 Ranville
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