Norman architecture, Church of Saint Ermeland

The many narrow lanes of the Cotentin Peninsula call for caution in driving (you are just as likely to find a tractor coming towards you as a car) but there are treasures to be found.

In the hamlet of Boutteville, close to Saint-Mere-Eglise, is a typical Norman style church next to an enormous yew tree which almost shields sight of the church.  

The top part of the west wall is clad in overhanging slate tiles - I have never seen these in France; its doorway has a somewhat worn ornate zig-zag surround, the capital above its columns are carved with the heads of griffins.  The interior is austere, as are most of these village churches, but on the altar is a miniature matchstick-style model of the church, with tiny figures of people coming out from a wedding.

Ermeland is a 7th century Merovingian saint (as founder of the abbey of Aindre), he is invoked to ensure a good growth of grass and a good harvest.  His customary symbol is a cow.