Fontevraud Abbey

Fontevraud Abbey, founded in 1101 by itinerant reforming preacher Robert d'Arbrissel followed his concept of the "ideal city". It was a "double monastery", that was always led by a woman.

From the very beginning the convent had a strong support from the aristocracy, above all from the House of Plantagenet. The list of the abbesses is like a "who is who" of the medieval nobility.

Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful ladies of medieval times, joined the convent, when she retired from the political power game in 1200. She died here in 1204. This church was the chosen burial place for the House of Plantagenet.

In the center of the nave, near the choir, are the tombs. The recumbent effigies from the early 13th century still have some of the original colours.

Richard I of England (1157 – 1199)
(aka "Richard Lionheart", "Richard Coeur de Lion", "Richard Loewenherz", "Richard Plantagenêt") son of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Poitiers, Count of Anjou, King of England.

Eldest son of Henry II of England. He commanded an "own" armee against his father at the age of 16. He was King of England since 1189. During the 3rd Crusade, he was one of the commanders, leading the campaign after the departure of Philip II of France. Prisoner of Leopold V, Duke of Austria, and Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor, between Dec. 1102 and Feb. 1104. England paid a ransom of 65.000 pounds of silver. Taxes rose, what caused local uproars in England. He died, after being wounded by a crossbow bolt during the siege of Chalus (Haute-Vienne), in the arms of his mother.