Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: forkbeard

Saint-Marc, erected during the 12th century (and named Notre-Dame at that time) was located between the castle of the Sires de Bourbon (Lords of Bourbon) and the church of the famous and important Cluniac priory. It was the parish church of Souvigny. It consists of a five-bay nave that originally ended in a semicircular apse. After the vaults collapsed, a restoration was carried out in the 17th century. When the Revolution ended the neighbouring monastic life, the former convent´s church was used by the parish (what saved the building). Saint Marc then was sold as state property and served as a barn, a market hall and finally a wareghouse. Restored at the end of the 20th century is is used now as a "cultural center", where exhibitions and concerts can take place. This damaged capital survived the cenruries. A nice forkbeard at the corner.

The Benedictian abbey Notre Dame in Déols had established a priory here in the 11th century. Located in the center of La Celle (pop 350) is Saint Blaise, the fromer priory´s church. It was erected in two phases (from east to west) during the 12th century. Flying buttresses had to be added in the 18th century, when the structure started to crack. The Benedictian abbey Notre Dame in Déols had established a priory here in the 11th century. Saint Blaise, the priory´s church, was erected in two phases (from east to west) during the 12th century. Flying buttresses had to be added in the 18th century, when the structure of the nave started to crack. Around the apse are some extraordinary carvings. Here a a corbel with a "two headed" forkbeard. Quarries near the village were already used since Roman times and so some stone mason masters may have worked here in medieval times. St. Blasie, one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers", is the parton saint for stone masons and carvers. Today he is better known for the "Blessing of the Throats", celebrated on he Feast of Saint Blasie (February 3.).

The parish church "Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption" in the center of Tamerville has a remarkable Romanesque tower. The church (and the tower) were erected mid 12th century, but the church got enlarged and altered over the time. The church was dedicated to Saint Mayeul (aka "Mayeul de Cluny", "Majolus of Cluny"). Saint Mayeul, important abbot of Cluny, built Cluny II. There must have been a connection to the Burgundy in the early times. A gentleman with an extraordinary beard. An Anglo-Saxon warrior? A twin of the weathered beard puller under the roof) Another "Sweyn Forkbeard"?