Vauclair Abbey
Vauclair Abbey, also known as Vauclerc Abbey, was a Cistercian monastery founded in 1134 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Situated in the Aisne department of France, it served as the 15th daughter house of Clairvaux Abbey. Despite periods of damage during various wars, it endured until the French Revolution and was later almost entirely destroyed by artillery fire in 1917, leaving only ruins which are now a protected historical monument.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1134 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.
- ›It was the 15th daughter house of Clairvaux Abbey.
- ›Named Vauclair (Vallis clara) by Bernard, meaning 'clear valley'.
- ›Suffered significant damage during the Hundred Years' War and French Wars of Religion.
- ›Demolished and sold as national property during the French Revolution.
- ›Remaining structures were almost totally destroyed by artillery in 1917.
Arboretum of Apple and Pear Trees, Medicinal Herb Garden
Vauclerc Abbey
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, BarthéLemy De Jur, Henry Murdac, PèRe René Courtois
- Founded In 1134
- Suffered Damage During the Hundred Years' War
- Suffered Damage During the French Wars of Religion
- Demolished and Sold As National Property During the French Revolution
- Almost Totally Destroyed By Artillery Bombardment In 1917
About Vauclair Abbey
Vauclair Abbey, also referred to as Vauclerc Abbey, was a significant Cistercian monastery established in 1134. Its foundation was initiated by the renowned Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, responding to a request from Barthélemy de Jur, the bishop of Laon. Situated in what is now the commune of Bouconville-Vauclair in the Aisne department of France, it held the distinction of being the 15th daughter house of the influential Clairvaux Abbey.
History and Significance
The abbey's location was strategically chosen in the Ailette river valley, near the historic Chemin des Dames. The site was ceded to Bernard with all its associated rights and dependencies. On May 23, 1134, a group of monks from Clairvaux Abbey, led by their first abbot, Henry Murdac, took possession of the new foundation. Saint Bernard himself named the abbey Vauclair, meaning 'clear valley,' a reversal of Clairvaux's 'clear valley,' due to its favorable east-west orientation. Supported by substantial gifts from affluent families, the abbey rapidly achieved prosperity and expanded its holdings.
Vauclair Abbey played a role in establishing other monastic houses, notably Le Reclus Abbey in 1142 and La Charmoye Abbey in 1167. However, its history was also marked by conflict. The Hundred Years' War and the 16th-century French Wars of Religion inflicted heavy damage upon the abbey, though it managed to persist until the French Revolution in 1789, when it was ultimately demolished and its property sold as 'national property.' The abbey's proximity to the Chemin des Dames proved to be its final undoing, as what remained of its structures were almost entirely obliterated by direct artillery bombardment in 1917, leaving behind only ruins.
Modern Heritage
Following archaeological excavations initiated in 1966 by a local association led by Père René Courtois, the site was recognized and designated as a monument historique in 1970. Today, the grounds of Vauclair Abbey are open to the public and feature an arboretum dedicated to apple and pear trees, as well as a medicinal herb garden. These amenities were planned by Père Courtois and opened in 1976, preserving a connection to the site's history and natural setting.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Vauclair Abbey founded?
Vauclair Abbey was established in 1134. It was founded by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux at the request of Barthélemy de Jur, the bishop of Laon.
What religious order was Vauclair Abbey a part of?
Vauclair Abbey belonged to the Cistercian order. It was the 15th daughter house established by Clairvaux Abbey.
Where is Vauclair Abbey located?
Vauclair Abbey is located in what is now the commune of Bouconville-Vauclair, within the department of Aisne, France. It was situated near the Chemin des Dames.
What is the current state of Vauclair Abbey?
Today, only ruins remain of Vauclair Abbey. The site was declared a monument historique in 1970 following excavations and now features an arboretum and a medicinal herb garden.
Why was Vauclair Abbey heavily damaged?
Vauclair Abbey was heavily damaged during the Hundred Years' War and the French Wars of Religion. Its proximity to the Chemin des Dames also led to its near-total destruction by artillery bombardment in 1917.
Related Monasteries
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Morimond Abbey
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Abbey of Saint-Roman
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