Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs
The Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs was a significant Benedictine monastery in Paris, France, with origins tracing back to a Merovingian chapel. Rebuilt in the 11th century and becoming a key house of the Congregation of Cluny, it rose to prominence, second only to the Royal Abbey of St-Denis, before its suppression during the French Revolution. Today, its surviving medieval buildings house the Museum of Arts and Crafts.
Key Facts
- ›Established in Paris, France, with origins dating to a Merovingian chapel.
- ›Rebuilt in 1060 and became a Benedictine priory under the Congregation of Cluny in 1079.
- ›Once second in importance only to the Royal Abbey of St-Denis.
- ›Surviving structures include the priory church (completed 1135) and the nave and refectory (13th century), attributed to Pierre de Montreuil.
- ›Site of the last officially sanctioned trial by combat in France in 1386.
- ›Suppressed in 1790 during the French Revolution and its buildings later became the Museum of Arts and Crafts.
Medieval
Museum of Arts and Crafts, Surviving Medieval Priory Church, 13th-Century Nave and Refectory, Site of the Last Trial By Combat In France
Saint-Martin-Des-Champs Abbey
Henry I of France, St. Hugh of Cluny, Pierre De Montreuil, Cardinal Richelieu, Jean De Carrouges, Jacques Le Gris
- Pillaged and Destroyed By Norman Invaders
- Rebuilt As A Priory
- Became Benedictine
- Trial By Combat Between Jean De Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris
- Suppressed During the French Revolution
About Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs
The Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs was an influential monastic institution located in Paris, France, whose surviving structures are significant examples of medieval architecture. Its history began with a chapel dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, which existed during the Merovingian dynasty and is mentioned in a text from 710. A monastic community later formed around this chapel, but the abbey was destroyed by Norman invaders in the late 10th century.
Rebuilding and Cluniac Influence
In 1060, King Henry I of France initiated the rebuilding of the site as a priory for canons regular. Situated outside the city walls at the time, it earned the designation 'des champs' (in the fields). In 1079, the priory was placed under the authority of St. Hugh of Cluny, transforming it into a Benedictine community. It subsequently grew into one of the most important houses within the Congregation of Cluny, second in significance only to the Royal Abbey of St-Denis. The priory church was completed in 1135, featuring a choir with a double ambulatory and ribbed arch vaulting. The nave and refectory were added in the 13th century, with attributions to the renowned architect Pierre de Montreuil.
Historical Significance and Decline
The priory played a notable role in the religious and social life of Paris. A significant historical event that occurred within its precincts was the last officially sanctioned trial by combat in France in 1386, authorized by the king and Parliament. Over time, the priory came under the system of commendatory abbots, with notable figures such as Cardinal Richelieu holding titular positions. Its operational monastic life ended in 1790 when it was suppressed under the laws of the French Revolution, and its buildings were subsequently used as a prison before parts were demolished.
Legacy
The enduring legacy of the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs lies in its surviving architectural elements. These structures became the home of the Museum of Arts and Crafts, which opened to the public in 1802. The original Foucault Pendulum, a famous scientific demonstration of Earth's rotation, was housed here from 1855 until its irreparable damage in 2010, further cementing the site's connection to scientific and cultural heritage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs founded?
The oldest known structure on the site was a chapel dedicated to St. Martin of Tours, founded during the Merovingian dynasty, appearing in a text from 710. A community of monks became established there, and the abbey was rebuilt in 1060 as a priory.
What religious order was associated with the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs?
The priory became a Benedictine community in 1079 and developed into one of the major houses of the Congregation of Cluny. It was a significant Benedictine institution.
What remains of the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs today?
The surviving portions of the monastic complex are the priory church, completed in 1135, and the nave and refectory, completed in the 13th century. These structures are considered treasures of medieval architecture.
What is the modern function of the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs buildings?
After being suppressed during the French Revolution, the buildings were repurposed. Since 1802, they have housed the Museum of Arts and Crafts, showcasing a significant collection of industrial and technological innovation.
What notable historical event took place at the priory?
The Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs was the site of the last officially sanctioned trial by combat in France in 1386. This legal contest was authorized by the king and the Parliament of Paris.
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