The Cathedral During the War
During the War, elaborate precautions were taken to protect the Cathedral and its art treasures from the dangers of bombardment. The three doorways of the principal façade (photo above) and that of the Gilded Virgin, were covered with a thick protecting wall of sandbags.
The choir stalls (photo p. 33) were enclosed with reinforced concrete and sandbags, the stone carvings of the ambulatory being protected in like manner. The various funeral monuments were walled in, while firemen from Paris removed the stained glass. All the movable art treasures were taken away and placed in safety (photo p. 33).
These precautions were not superfluous, as the cathedral was repeatedly made the target of enemy artillery fire. In 1915, during an air bombardment, three out of nine bombs fell in the immediate vicinity, at distances varying from 150 to 200 yards. In the spring of 1918 an incendiary shell burst in the Rue de Robert Luzarches, within 30 yards of the Virgin doorway, completely destroying two houses, while splinters hit the upper part of the doorway above the wall of sandbags. In all, nine shells hit the cathedral, but none of them caused very serious damage.
The roof was pierced in several places, particularly on the south side of the choir, and the vault was perforated in the south aisle of the choir and in the nave. The gallery of the triforium was likewise torn open on the south side of the nave, while the chapels of St. John the Baptist (photo p. 32) and Our Lady of Faith (D 1 on plan) were damaged. Outside, the façades were struck with shell splinters, while here and there buttresses, flying-buttresses, and mullions of windows were broken or damaged.
(See outline opposite p. 9 and plan opposite p. 8).
On leaving the Cathedral by the doorway of the south transept (Gilded Virgin Door), the tourist should skirt the Cathedral on the left as far as the Place St. Michel, which is behind the Apsis. In the middle of the Square is a Statue to Peter the Hermit. On the right of the Square, take the Rue Victor Hugo.
At No. 36, hidden from the road by a high enclosure wall, is the very handsome brick and stone bossage façade (1634) of what were formerly the offices of the French Treasury. A bomb damaged the right-hand corner of the roof.
Turn into the first street on the right (Rue Lesueur), which skirts the Palais de Justice. Turn to the left into the Rue de Robert de Luzarches, which passes in front of the principal façade of the Palais de Justice (plan). Built towards the end of the 19th century, it contains some fine woodwork by Crescent.
Follow the Rue de Luzarches to the Rue des Trois-Cailloux; on turning to the right, the tourist passes in front of the Theatre.
A large opening was made by a shell in the left-hand upper portion of the façade (photo below), which is pure Louis XVI in style.
This façade was built in 1778-1780.
It is remarkable for its harmonious proportions, as also for the delicacy and sobriety of its ornamentation.
The corner pilasters are decorated with lyres, surmounted by flaming tripods.
The central pilasters are ornamented with two groups of Muses in relief, one representing Dancing and Music, the other Comedy and Tragedy.
On the upper portion of each pilaster, the attributes of the four Muses have been carved in oval medallions.
The interior of the theatre is interesting, by reason of the date of its construction (1773-1779). It is the oldest playhouse in France.
Opposite the theatre, the shops of the Nouvelles Galeries were entirely destroyed (photo below).
At No. 59, Rue des Trois-Cailloux, to the left of the theatre, is the Passage du Logis du Roi, where are to be found the remains of the “Logis du Gouverneur du Roi de Picardie” (House of the King of Picardy’s Governor, S on outline of tour).
Built about 1520 of brick and stone, the castle was mutilated in the 18th century. The outbuildings now serve various foreign purposes, and include a café, so that the place has lost most of its interest.
Only the donjon tower, from which there is a fine view over the whole city, retains its ancient aspect.
Follow the Rue des Trois-Cailloux to the Place Gambetta, then turn to the left into the Rue de la République, where, on the right, will be found:
The Church of St. Rémy, which is being rebuilt on the site of the old church of the Couvent des Cordeliers (Convent of the Franciscans or Grey Friars).
It contains several pieces of sculpture by Blasset, including the monumental tomb of Nicholas de Lannoy, High Constable of Bourbonnais, and Madeleine de Mutterel, his wife, with their statues (1631)—photos on this page—and a Virgin known as the Condé Virgin, because it was given by the Prince of Condé after his victory at Rocroi.
A bomb caused nearly all the roof to fall in and seriously damaged the stained glass windows.
A little further on, on the same side of the street, is the Museum.