Thieuloy-Saint-Antoine: Aviation History and Church Restoration

Thieuloy-Saint-Antoine brings together an unusual aviation history, a complex history of church restoration and a picnic area with a short walking path. The topics range from the world’s first collision between two commercial aircraft to specific work on furnishings and paintings, as well as an outdoor break. Cultural history and a walk therefore offer different interests for visitors.

Aviation history with a precise date

On 7 April 1922, two commercial aircraft collided over the commune of Thieuloy-Saint-Antoine, in the first such incident worldwide. They were a Havilland DH 18A belonging to the British airline Daimler Airmway and a Farman F60 Goliath belonging to Compagnie des grands express aériens.

The aircraft models and company names make the event a tangible story from the history of commercial aviation. The aircraft types can provide a conversation starter for exploring the topic together; no technical knowledge is needed.

Work on the church

From 2006 to 2009, the church’s benches, paneling, painting of Saint Anthony and painted decorations were restored. Woodwork and columns of the altarpiece were also reconstructed. Further restoration work was carried out from 2007 to 2009, including additional propping and reinforcement work.

The periods overlap: 2007 to 2009 falls within the longer 2006 to 2009 phase and refers to additional work, not a later restart. Restoration, reconstruction, propping and reinforcement denote different tasks. The term “altarpiece” refers to an ornamental structure behind the altar; the reconstructed woodwork and columns therefore represent a different area of work from the restored benches and paintings.

In terms of chronology, the aviation incident took place on a single day in 1922, while the restoration work extended over several years. Thieuloy-Saint-Antoine thus brings together two different scales of local history: a precisely dated incident and a series of specific works.

Another historical point of reference is the commemorative plaque inaugurated in front of the cemetery.

Picnic area and path

The picnic area has a table on a grassy plot. It is located on a dead-end road that leads to a short path suitable for walking. The table and grass provide a setting for an outdoor break, while the path adds the option of a walk.

If you plan to take the path, check its condition and the picnic area’s facilities before your visit. This will help you take account of the two distinct aspects of this destination: a break at the table and the option to continue on foot.

Families can use the aircraft names as a conversation starter and see the picnic area as a different element of the trip. This makes it possible to weigh historical curiosity against an outdoor activity when planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nointel, Attichy, Avilly-Saint-Léonard, Béthisy-Saint-Martin, Vieux-Moulin, Cauvigny, Villeneuve-Sur-Verberie, Thibivillers.

For the broader travel overview: Oise.