Bassac Abbey
Christian·France·Renovation/Cultural Space·11th century
Bassac Abbey, also known as Abbaye Saint-Étienne de Bassac, is a former Benedictine monastery located in Bassac, France. Founded in 1002 by Wardrade Lorichès and his wife Rixendis, it played a significant role in the region's religious history, experiencing periods of subordination and independence before its suppression during the French Revolution. The surviving buildings, partially restored by the Congrégation des frères missionnaires de Sainte-Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus from 1947 to 2012, are now slated for renovation as an international cultural and spiritual space.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1002 by Wardrade Lorichès and his wife Rixendis.
- ›Consecrated in around 1015 by the Bishops of Angoulême and Saintes.
- ›Subordinated to the Abbey of Saint-Jean-D'Angély in 1095, regaining independence in 1246.
- ›Largely reconstructed under Abbot Guillaume de Vibrac (1247-1286).
- ›Suppressed in 1791 during the French Revolution.
- ›Surviving buildings were occupied and restored by the Congrégation des frères missionnaires from 1947 to 2012.
Abbey Church, Surviving Monastic Buildings
Abbaye Saint-éTienne De Bassac
Wardrade LorichèS, Rixendis, Grimoard, Bishop of AngoulêMe, Iso, Bishop of Saintes, Pope Urban Ii, Guillaume De Vibrac
- Founded In 1002
- Consecrated Around 1015
- Made Subordinate To Abbey of Saint-Jean-D'AngéLy In 1095
- Regained Independence In 1246
- Largely Reconstructed Between 1247 and 1286
- Suppressed In 1791 During the French Revolution
About Bassac Abbey
Bassac Abbey, officially known as Abbaye Saint-Étienne de Bassac, is a significant former Benedictine monastery situated in Bassac, in the Charente department of France. Its establishment in 1002 by Wardrade Lorichès, count of la Marche, and his wife Rixendis marked the beginning of a long religious and architectural history.
History and Significance
The abbey church was consecrated around 1015 by Grimoard, Bishop of Angoulême, and his brother Iso, Bishop of Saintes. The monastery experienced shifts in its ecclesiastical standing, being made subordinate to the Abbey of Saint-Jean-d'Angély by Pope Urban II in 1095, only to regain its autonomy in 1246. A substantial reconstruction effort took place under Abbot Guillaume de Vibrac between 1247 and 1286, shaping its appearance for centuries to come. Bassac Abbey's monastic life concluded with its suppression in 1791 during the French Revolution, at which point its buildings were largely sold off as national property, with the exception of the church, which continued its service as a parish church.
Later Use and Future
From 1947 to 2012, the remaining structures of Bassac Abbey were occupied and underwent partial restoration by the Congrégation des frères missionnaires de Sainte-Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus. In 2015, the site was acquired by a trust with the intention of developing it into a "cultural and spiritual space of international dimensions," signaling a new chapter for this historic monastic complex.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bassac Abbey founded?
Bassac Abbey was founded in 1002. The founders were Wardrade Lorichès, count of la Marche, and his wife Rixendis, who established it upon their return from a pilgrimage to Rome.
What happened to Bassac Abbey during the French Revolution?
During the French Revolution in 1791, Bassac Abbey was suppressed. Its buildings were sold as national property, with the exception of the church, which was then repurposed as the local parish church.
What is the current status of Bassac Abbey?
The surviving buildings of Bassac Abbey were occupied and partially restored by the Congrégation des frères missionnaires de Sainte-Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus from 1947 to 2012. The site was sold in 2015 to be renovated into a "cultural and spiritual space of international dimensions."
Who founded Bassac Abbey?
Bassac Abbey was founded by Wardrade Lorichès, count of la Marche and first known Lord of Jarnac, and his wife Rixendis. They were later buried in the abbey church.
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