The Church of Plouneour-Menez

The Church of St Yves, Plounéour-Menez, started building in 1649 and aspects of the church have been likened to its neighbours, which is hardly surprising – there must have been an army of stone masons constructing, assembling, and carving in the 16C and 17C in Brittany.

The Church was apparently built on the site of an earlier building – perhaps a church built by St Enéour who started a settlement here in the 6C. This is one of perhaps 70 Enclos Parroisiaux in Brittany and it is odd that the Church is not named for its local saint – perhaps he was one of the miraculous figures venerated by the local people but not the official church.

There are several statues, including one of St Herbot (with cow), a 17C carved pulpit, and evidence of ongoing restoration work.

The Ossuary has been demolished but other aspects of the church have been likened to its neighbours, which is hardly surprising.

The Triumphal Arch is compared to that of St Thégonnec but the only similarity which I can see is that both were originally gated, and the signs of a gate or doorway are visible here in Plounéour-Menez. 

The Bell Tower, soaring upwards, is open at the base like the the Church of Lambader en Plouvorn (1432-40), while the spire has been likened to the spire (1592) of Commana Church.

There are two Calvaries: the triple cross, with figures back to back is from 1540 and the figures are made by Roland Doré. The second, simpler calvary is later – 1641.

A large WWII Memorial stand across the road from the Church, bringing to mind a rather curious banner in the Church, and a plaque in the Mairie. The liberation of the town is recorded on a memorial on the D111.

Further information
Notre Dame de Lambader (government database – very interesting)
Church at Plouneour-Menez (government database, Georges Estève photograph)
Dr Perper & his family