Oyré - Saint-Sulpice

A papal bull issued by Pope Alexander III in 1163 mentions this small church as part of the priory "Saint-Denis" in Vaux (sur Vienne), about 10 kms west).

The church, dedicated to Sulpice le Pieux, was erected end of the 11th century in a primitive Romanesque style, not at all influenced by the more elegant "style saintonge".

Along the western facade runs a gallery, what is rather unique. It is lined with stone benches and probably was the meeting place for the villagers over centuries. The church got remodeled during the 17th century, when it got enlarged and a chapel was added. During the French Revolution the church got damaged. The crumbling apse got demolished and rebuilt during a disputed restauration end of the 19th century.

The church is small, but has about 20 carved capitals, that were obviously created by three different workshops, who all had their specific style. The capitals seen on the previous uploads were connected to pilgrimage/politics and were carevd in a very detailed style. This capital is carved in a very rough style by another workshop.

A musician playing a vielle - two birds - a very nice flutist - and a dancer, who seems to dance the twist. If this is right, the names of the birds can only be "Chubby" and "Checker".

Here is, what I mean:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=im9XuJJXylw