Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Norbert de Xanten

Beauport Abbey is located in the village of Kérity, now part of Paimpol. It was founded in 1202 by the Count of Penthièvre and settled by Premonstratensians (= "Norbertines") coming from the Normandy. The (still existing) order was founded around 1120 by Norbert de Xanten and it was a fast growing order. In the early 13th century about 600 Premonstratensian monasteries existed between Cyprus and Sweden. The abbey did well for the first centuries but declined later. In 1532 the abbey became a prebend for a titular abbot, later the the Archbishop of Tours. The French Revolution ended any monastic life here in 1790. The buildings were sold. When Prosper Mérimée inspected the ruined buildings in 1836, some roofs had already collapsed. In 1862 the former abbey was classified as a historic monument, what ended the looting of the buildings, of which some are restored and used now. The ruins of the early Gothic abbey church.

Beauport Abbey is located in the village of Kérity, now part of Paimpol. It was founded in 1202 by the Count of Penthièvre and settled by Premonstratensians (= "Norbertines") coming from the Normandy. The (still existing) order was founded around 1120 by Norbert de Xanten and it was a fast growing order. In the early 13th century about 600 Premonstratensian monasteries existed between Cyprus and Sweden. The abbey did well for the first centuries but declined later. In 1532 the abbey became a prebend for a titular abbot, later the the Archbishop of Tours. The French Revolution ended any monastic life here in 1790. The buildings were sold. When Prosper Mérimée inspected the ruined buildings in 1836, some roofs had already collapsed. In 1862 the former abbey was classified as a historic monument, what ended the looting of the buildings, of which some are restored and used now.

In 1120 Saint Norbert of Xanten founded a convent here, that became the mother house of the Premonstratensian Order. Just six years later, Norbert left the simple and contemplative life to become the Archbishop of Magdeburg. He was HRE Lothair II´s advisor and worked as his archchancellor for Italy. Abbey and Order developed well over the centuries. The Premonstratensian Order still exists, but after the French Revolution the abbey was suppressed and confiscated. The property was sold and several buildings were demolished for building material. Having passed through several hands, the abbey was acquired by the Département of Aisne. Since 1867 the remaining, large baroque buildings (16th/17th c.) are in use as a psychiatric hospital. The ruin of an apse, next to parking lot and soccer ground, seems to be the last existing trace of the abbey´s early years.

In 1120 Saint Norbert of Xanten founded a convent here, that became the mother house of the Premonstratensian Order. Just six years later, Norbert left the simple and contemplative life to become the Archbishop of Magdeburg. He was HRE Lothair II´s advisor and worked as his archchancellor for Italy. Abbey and Order developed well over the centuries. The Premonstratensian Order still exists, but the abbey was suppressed and confiscated after the French Revolution. The property was sold and several buildings were demolished for building material. Having passed through several hands, the abbey was finally acquired by the Département of Aisne. Since 1867 the remaining, large baroque buildings (16th/17th c.) are in use as a psychiatric hospital.

In 1120 Saint Norbert of Xanten founded a convent here, that became the mother house of the Premonstratensian Order. Just six years later, Norbert left the simple and contemplative life to become the Archbishop of Magdeburg. Later he was HRE Lothair II´s advisor and worked as his archchancellor for Italy. Abbey and Order developed well over the centuries. The Premonstratensian Order still exists, but the abbey was suppressed and confiscated after the French Revolution. The property was sold and several buildings were demolished for building material. Having passed through several hands, the abbey was finally acquired by the Département of Aisne. Since 1867 the remaining, large baroque buildings (16th/17th c.) are in use as a psychiatric hospital.