Préaux Abbey
Préaux Abbey was a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saint Peter, located in Les Préaux, Normandy, France. First mentioned in the 9th century, it was destroyed by Vikings and subsequently refounded in the 11th century. The abbey, along with a neighboring women's abbey, was a significant economic force in the region, known for its endowments, construction of parish churches, and operation of water mills. During the French Revolution, the abbeys were sold as national property.
Key Facts
- ›First mentioned in 833 by Saint Ansegisus.
- ›Destroyed by Vikings and refounded in 1033–1034.
- ›A second abbey for women, Abbey of Saint-Léger, was founded nearby in 1050–1051.
- ›Greatly endowed by local lords and influential in regional church construction.
- ›Owned farms and operated water mills for economic activities.
- ›The abbeys were sold as national property during the French Revolution.
Water Mills, Farms
Abbey Saint-Pierre Des PréAux
Saint Ansegisus, Humphrey De Vieilles, Albreda, Roger De Beaumont, Henry De Beaumont, 1st Earl of Warwick, Robert De Beaumont, 1st Earl of Leicester, Alfred Canel
- Destruction By Vikings
- Refounding In 1033–1034
- Founding of Abbey of Saint-LéGer In 1050–1051
- Attempt To Found A City Next To the Monastery In the Second Half of the 12th Century
- Sale As National Property During the French Revolution
About Préaux Abbey
Préaux Abbey, known in French as Abbaye Saint-Pierre des Préaux, was a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saint Peter, situated in Les Préaux in the region of Normandy, France. Its history stretches back to the 9th century, with its first mention occurring in 833. However, this early foundation was later destroyed by Viking incursions, necessitating its refounding in the early 11th century, specifically between 1033 and 1034, on its original site.
History and Influence
The abbey's significance grew through substantial endowments from local lords. It played an influential role in the region, overseeing the construction of several parish churches, including those at Saint-Germain in Pont-Audemer and Saint-Samson-de-la-Roque in the 12th century. A notable attempt was made in the latter half of the 12th century by the monks to establish a city adjacent to the monastery, though historical records suggest this urban development never fully materialized, with the area still referred to as a "villa" in the 14th century.
In addition to Saint-Pierre's Abbey, a second abbey for women, the Abbey of Saint-Léger, was founded nearby in 1050–1051 by Humphrey de Vieilles, at the behest of his wife Albreda. Both abbeys served as significant economic engines for the territory, operating farms and water mills. During the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, both institutions were expropriated and sold as national property, marking an end to their monastic existence.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Préaux Abbey first established?
The abbey was first mentioned in 833. However, it was destroyed by Vikings and later refounded in 1033–1034 on the same site.
What religious order was associated with Préaux Abbey?
Préaux Abbey was a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saint Peter.
What happened to Préaux Abbey during the French Revolution?
During the French Revolution, Préaux Abbey, along with the nearby Abbey of Saint-Léger, was sold as national property.
What were some of the economic activities of Préaux Abbey?
The abbey was greatly endowed by local lords and owned farms. It also exploited the local stream's hydropower by operating water mills.
Are there any notable figures buried at Préaux Abbey?
Historical records indicate that Roger de Beaumont, Henry de Beaumont (1st Earl of Warwick), and Robert de Beaumont (1st Earl of Leicester) were buried at Préaux Abbey.
Related Monasteries
Corvey Abbey
Corvey Abbey was a significant former Benedictine abbey and ecclesiastical principality in Germany, founded in the 9th century. It played a crucial role in the Christianization of Saxony and became a major cultural and economic center, renowned for its school and library. Though largely destroyed during the Thirty Years' War, its Carolingian Westwerk remains, and the former abbey buildings now function as Schloss Corvey, a palace open to the public.
Kornelimünster Abbey
Kornelimünster Abbey is a Benedictine monastery with a history stretching back to its founding in 814 by Benedict of Aniane. Initially known as the "Monastery of the Redeemer on the Inde," it rose to prominence as an Imperial abbey and gained significant endowments. While dissolved in 1802 during secularization, it was re-founded by Benedictines in 1906 and now focuses on retreat tourism and hospitality, serving as a stop on the Way of St. James. The original abbey buildings now house a museum of modern art.
Charlieu Abbey
Charlieu Abbey, also known as St. Fortunatus' Abbey, was a significant Benedictine monastery founded in 872 in the Forez region of Burgundy, France. It later became an early and important priory within the Cluniac movement. The abbey faced suppression during the French Revolution, leading to the destruction of most of its structures, with only a portion of its narthex and western bay remaining as ruins.