THE MARKET-HALL AT FÈRE-EN-TARDENOIS IN 1917.
The church, which was destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War, was rebuilt in the 16th century—the nave at the beginning, the choir later, and the steeple in full Renaissance period.
In the left aisle there is a 17th century funeral monument, and in the right a carved churchwardens’ bench. The pulpit is adorned with carved figures of the Evangelists. The high altar with twisted columns is of gilt wood, and is surmounted by an “Adoration of the Wise Men” by Vignon (1643), flanked by a painting of St. Hubert and a portrait of Louis XIII. curing a sick person, when passing through Fère in May, 1635. The altar of painted wood, with its carved wooden screen, painted and gilded (1664), is on the left, and serves as a reliquary for the remains of Saint Macre, the Patron-Saint of La Fère. It was taken from the former Church of Courmont. In one of the last windows of the southern aisle was some 16th century stained-glass.
After visiting the church, turn to the right (looking towards it) into the “Grande Place,” which contains a stone fountain and the old Market Hall.
The round pillars and wooden posts of the Market Hall, which was finished in 1552, support the fine timber-work roof.
The latter was destroyed by shell-fire, but has been temporarily repaired (see photos above and below).