Bony – Discover its history and places of remembrance

If you are planning a history-focused stay in Bony, you can explore different periods: the reconstruction after the First World War, the commemoration of an event from 1918, and evidence of the former front line. Ferme Payen adds an agricultural dimension. This offers a way to complement the town’s history with a look at local production.

Church, memorial and the effects of war

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bony was rebuilt in the 1920s after the destruction of the First World War. Its history also points to the period after the fighting: reconstruction belongs to a later phase than the events commemorated by memorials. If you are interested in architectural history, this time gap offers a useful way to explore the town’s past.

The American Monument at Ferme de Gillemont honours the soldiers of the 107th Infantry Regiment of the 27th Division. It commemorates the capture of the farm by American soldiers on 29 September 1918. The monument thus refers to a specific day and a particular unit. After disappearing in the 1930s, it was symbolically reinstated in 2018. This sequence of events, disappearance and reinstatement shows how public memory can change over time.

Memorial Day ceremonies are held at the cemetery every year in late May; the exact date may vary. Check the event details before your trip if you would like to attend this day of remembrance. The remains of the Hindenburg Line are also among Bony’s historical traces. The annual ceremony and these remains represent different forms of remembrance: a recurring commemoration and tangible traces of the war.

Agriculture and local character

Ferme Payen reveals another side of the town. It has been engaged in agriculture for just over a century and specialises in growing blueberries; it also produces rhubarb. The farm thus complements the history of war and architecture with an agricultural focus. For travellers interested in regional production, the combination of these two crops offers a tangible insight into the local economy.

Route and waterway at Macquincourt

The Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle is listed as a route at Macquincourt. If you are considering including it in your travel plans, check the route and signposting locally. This is particularly useful if you want to follow a specific route.

The Canal de Saint-Quentin at Macquincourt is used by cargo ships and recreational boaters; navigation conditions may change. Check the latest conditions if you are interested in boat traffic. The route and the canal represent different themes: a named pilgrimage route on the one hand, and a waterway used by cargo ships and recreational boaters on the other.

Discover more destinations: Filain, Crouy, Viry-Noureuil, La Neuville-Housset, Cuiry-Lès-Chaudardes, Serches, Coucy-Le-Château-Auffrique, Coincy.

For the broader travel overview: Aisne.