The municipality of Tocqueville, in partnership with our Association, has the will to continue the restoration and enhancement of the village church.
After several works carried out since 2008, it is envisaged to undertake over the years 2023-2024 a major programme to combat the dampness of the walls and floor.
The repair of the roof and the stained glass windows has made the church of Tocqueville waterproof.
However, the walls remain very damp, especially on the south side (bell tower side), because the building is partially buried at the foot of a hill with numerous springs. This dampness was particularly noticeable when the choir stalls were taken down to redo the plastering.
Rising water is also damaging the floor. This one was modified in the 1950s and consists of a layer of cement about 5 cm thick laid directly on the ground. The water pressure has caused the floor to rise in places. In addition, a cement plaster over a height of about 1 metre, probably made at the same period, locks moisture into the south, west and north walls.
A study, carried out by the architect François Pougheol and which required a number of soundings on the outside and inside of the church, led to the proposal of a new programme of work, valued at €172 110 excluding tax.
This programme can be carried out in two phases :
– exterior sanitation, scheduled for 2023
– overall interior drainage with floor rehabilitation, scheduled for 2024.
To help finance this work, a new agreement to collect donations has been established between the Commune of Tocqueville, the Association and the Fondation du Patrimoine.
Everyone can contribute by making a donation to our Association or on the dedicated website of the Fondation du Patrimoine : www.fondation-patrimoine.org/2244