Construction on Saint-Maclou began sometime after 1435; it was to replace an existing Romanesque parish church that had suffered from several years of neglect resulting in a collapsed transept roof.

[3] In its place, master mason Pierre Robin created a basilica style church with four radiating chapels around an octagonal choir.

This message, commonly depicted during the Gothic period, was designed to scare and evoke emotion from the public.

Saint-Maclou, like most Gothic churches, had many exterior stone statues; however, they suffered much of the French wars of religion, weather conditions, and pollution.

In addition, the interior of the Church of Saint-Maclou includes decorations such as stained-glass windows and presents craftsmanship through carvings and sculptural work.

[7] The patrons of Saint-Maclou were of the wealthy merchant class that had experienced an immense social and economic growth during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.

This is exemplified through the contributions of wealthy families and famous artists who aided in construction and design of the church.