Longues Abbey
Longues Abbey was a Benedictine monastery located in Longues-sur-Mer, Normandy, France. Founded in 1168, it received significant support from English and Norman nobility, including King Henry II. After a period of decline and the introduction of commendatory abbots, the abbey was closed in 1781, with its revenues transferred to the seminary at Bayeux. Today, numerous ruins of the former monastery are preserved and recognized as historical monuments.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1168 by Hugh Wac.
- ›Supported by English and Norman nobility and King Henry II.
- ›Benefactors included the Bacon of Molay and D'Argouges families, some of whom were buried there.
- ›Subject to commendatory abbots from 1526 onwards.
- ›Closed in 1781, with its assets transferred to the seminary at Bayeux.
- ›Remains are listed as monuments historiques.
Numerous Ruins and Structures
Abbaye De Longues, Abbaye Sainte-Marie De Longues
Hugh Wac, Emmanuel-Louis De Cugnac
Founded In 1168, Subject To Commendatory Abbots From 1526, Closed In 1781
About Longues Abbey
Longues Abbey, also known as Abbaye de Longues or Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Longues, stands as a significant former Benedictine monastery situated in Longues-sur-Mer, within the Calvados department of Normandy, France. Its establishment dates back to 1168, initiated by Hugh Wac, a figure associated with a family that possessed lands in Rubercy and other areas of the Cotentin. The abbey quickly garnered substantial backing from the English and Norman nobility, including royal patronage from King Henry II.
Historical Context and Decline
The abbey's prosperity was notably enhanced by the patronage of prominent families such as the Bacons of Molay and the d'Argouges, several members of whom were interred within its grounds. However, the monastic institution entered a period of decline, particularly from 1526 when it began to be governed by commendatory abbots. This era was marked by a gradual loss of its former vitality, culminating in its official closure in 1781 under the last commendatory abbot, Emmanuel-Louis de Cugnac, who was also the bishop of Lectoure. Upon its closure, the abbey's revenues were redirected to support the seminary located in Bayeux.
Present Day
Despite its dissolution, Longues Abbey has left a tangible mark on the landscape. A considerable number of ruins and structures from the original monastic complex endure to this day. These remnants have been recognized for their historical and architectural importance, with various parts of the site listed as monuments historiques, preserving a fragment of Normandy's rich monastic heritage for future generations.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Longues Abbey founded?
Longues Abbey was founded in 1168. It was established by Hugh Wac, who was from a family that held lands in the Cotentin region.
Who were the main supporters of Longues Abbey?
The abbey received generous support from both English and Norman nobility, as well as from King Henry II. Prominent families like the Bacons of Molay and the d'Argouges were particularly significant benefactors.
What happened to Longues Abbey in its later years?
From 1526, the abbey came under the administration of commendatory abbots. Following a prolonged period of decline, it was eventually closed in 1781. Its revenues were then allocated to the seminary at Bayeux.
What remains of Longues Abbey today?
Numerous ruins and structures from the former monastery still exist. These remnants have been officially recognized and listed as historical monuments.
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