Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Louis VI

In early medieval times Braine was the summer residence of Merovingian and Carolingian kings. It later became the property of the Capetian Counts of Dreux. The relics of Saint Yved (= Yved de Rouen) were transferred to an abbey church in Braine already in the 9th century. From 1130 ths was a Premonstratensians abbey, founded by Saint Norbert in Prémontré, near Laon, just ten years ago. The abbey church, seen here, was built at the request of Agnès de Baudement, wife of Robert I, Count of Dreux, who was the 5th son of Louis VI (aka "Louis the Fat"). The church served as a necropolis for the House of Dreux over centuries. The buildings of the abbey suffered greatly during the Revolution, and were gradually demolished. Unfortunately the former abbey church was locked.

In early medieval times Braine was the summer residence of Merovingian and Carolingian kings. It later became the property of the Capetian Counts of Dreux. The relics of Saint Yved (= Yved de Rouen) were transferred to an abbey church in Braine already in the 9th century. From 1130 ths was a Premonstratensians abbey, founded by Saint Norbert in Prémontré, near Laon, just ten years ago. The abbey church, seen here, was built at the request of Agnès de Baudement, wife of Robert I, Count of Dreux, who was the 5th son of Louis VI (aka "Louis the Fat"). The church served as a necropolis for the House of Dreux over centuries. The buildings of the abbey suffered greatly during the Revolution, and were gradually demolished. Unfortunately the former abbey church was locked.

Since the times of Hugh Capet Étampes was an important place. It was a crown domain between Paris and Orleans. Hugh´s son Robert II (aka "Robert the Pious") built a stronghold here and founded a collegiate here in the 11th century. In 1121 Robert the Pious´ great-grandson Louis VI (aka "Louis the Fat") commissioned the founding of a "commercial complex" near the town centre of Étampes, midway on the "voie royale" (today "RN20") running from Paris to Orléans. Saint-Gilles was the church in the new market, erected from 1123 on. The church got remodelled, enlarged and rebuilt over the centuries. In 1944 it was hit by bombs, but got rebuilt and now seems to be in good condition. Clearly seen from east is, that Saint-Gilles was erected on the blueprint of the "Latin Cross". The tower dates to the 13th century. Houses "grew up" and and nestle to the church.

Since the times of Hugh Capet Étampes was an important place. It was a crown domain between Paris and Orleans. Hugh´s son Robert II (aka "Robert the Pious") built a stronghold here and founded a collegiate here in the 11th century. In 1121 Robert the Pious´ great-grandson Louis VI (aka "Louis the Fat") commissioned the founding of a "commercial complex" near the town centre of Étampes, midway on the "voie royale" (today "RN20") running from Paris to Orléans. Saint-Gilles was the church in the new market, erected from 1123 on. The church got remodelled, enlarged and rebuilt over the centuries. In 1944 it was hit by bombs, but got rebuilt and now seems to be in good condition. Unfortunately it was locked.