Clermont-de-l'Oise - Saint-Samson

A settlement is known as "Clarimonte" or "Clarus Mons" since the 10th century, when the place got fortified during the Norman invasions. The town, that developed here in medieval times got several times taken and retaken during the Hundred Years' War.

When the Hôtel de Ville (left) was built in the 14th century it got fortified with thick walls. It was not only used as town hall and shelter for the population, but as well linen hall, what explains the lenghts of 52 metres.

The parish church, dedicated to Saint Samson (= "Samson de Dol", one of the "Seven founder saints of Brittany") towers over the "Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville". The church erected within the 12th and 13th century burnt down during the Hundred Years' War. It got rebuilt from 1495 on. In 1785 the upper part of the tower was destroyed by lightning, so what is seen today is the rebuilt structure from 1812.