Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: school

The "Priory of Saint Sulpice" is located about 4km south east of Les Ormes, near the "Château de La Fontaine". The priory was depended from the Benedictine "Abbey of Noyers", founded near Nouatre (16km north) in 1030. In 1035 land was given to the abbey here, so the the abbey could establish the priory soon after. The size of area was defined by what "could be ploughed by six oxes within a day" (~10 acres). This makes clear, that the monks installed a working farm here, producing food and funds for the abbey. This is still clearly visible, as many buildings of the priory still exist. Over the centuries a small hamlet grew up around the (fortified!) priory. The priory is privately owned since the French Revolution. We were lucky, to meet the owner, who not only allowed us to enter the premises but also showed us the priory and told us many details of it´s history. Merci beaucoup! The priory existed through many wars and feuds including the Hundred Years War and the French Wars of Religion. It was sold after the Revolution and in 1810 it was acquired the Marquis d’Aubery, who after having returned from the exile, resided in the near Château de La Fontaine. Seen here (facing west) is the former nave. Upto 1860 the nave was used as a rural school. There were two classrooms, as a second level was installed at the time.

Not much is known about the history of Saint-Denis. The first documents mentioning it, are only a few centuries old. It was probably erected within the 12th century, but modified and enlarged during the next centuries. Mid of the 19th century the structure was ruined and ready for demolition. In 1862, the nave (left) was separated from transepts and choir. It got renovated and the local school opened here. Soon after, the mairie moved in as well and even apartments for the teachers were built on the new second floor.