Rucqueville - Saint-Pierre

Rucqueville, a tiny village about 10 kms east of Bayeux, was a settlement already in gallo-roman times. Saint Pierre was erected end of the 11th century on older foundations. At that time, the place was owned by the abbey "Sainte Trinité" in Caen (aka "Abbaye aux Dames"). This may explain why such an "expensive" church was built here. Saint Pierre houses some of the most elaborate capitals I found within the region. Medieval masters have worked here.

Here is one of the eight capitals around the crossing, depicting sceptical Thomas.

John 20:24-29

"But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."