Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Savigny

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100 kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. The choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period, still exist pretty complete. Under the roof are numerous interesting corbels. A musician with a really large rebec or vielle.

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100 kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. The choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period, still exist pretty complete. Under the roof are numerous interesting corbels. A "megaphallus" or just somebody sitting on a barrel or amphora? Very similar to a corbel in nearby Saint-Marcouf (see below). Arm or snake?

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100 kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. The choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period, still exist pretty complete. Under the roof are numerous interesting corbels. Here is - maybe - the Eucharistic liturgy, the celebration of the Holy Mass. The two priests hold up the bread and the wine over the small altar.

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100 kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. The choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period, still exist pretty complete. Under the roof are numerous interesting corbels. Here is Samson, tearing the lion apart.

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100 kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. The choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period, still exist pretty complete. Within the 19th century a sacristy was "glued" onto the apse. So the large carving, that once was outside - now is inside (the sacristy). Here is another detail of that large carving (see previous uploads). This carvings is so unique and excellent, that it may have come to "Notre Dame" from anoher building, but there is no proof. Bearded Christ is shown bare-footed, sitting on a throne. The folds of his dress are perfectly symmetrical. He is shown giving a benediction, while he holds a long-handled cross in his left hand.

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100 kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. The choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period, still exist pretty complete. Within the 19th century a sacristy was "glued" onto the apse. So the large carving, that once was outside - now is inside (the sacristy). Here is a detail of that large carving (see previous upload). The semicircular part over the window/door has a hunting scene. On the left is a stag, attacked by a dog. ON the right side, hidden by a tree in the center, a centaur / sagittarius waiting for the right moment to shoot the arrow.

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100 kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. The choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period, still exist pretty complete. Within the 19th century a sacristy was "glued" onto the apse. So this impressing, large carving around a window/door, once outside, but now can be seen from the sacristy. The carvings is stunning and I´ll upload two closeups next.

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100 kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. The choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period, still exist pretty complete. Here is one of the capitals of the choir. There are two griffins. The inscription reads COCODRIAS, what may be connected to the greek word for crocoldile (κροκόδιλος). The Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge was founded by Odon Stigand (1055). Odon´s son Robert was a well travelled gentleman, who brought the Sant Barbe´s skull to the abbey "from the east". So Robert may have seen crocodiles. Twice I found stuffed crocodiles in French churches. One in Oiron (Poitou-Charentes), one in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges (Midi-Pyrénées).

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100 kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. Here are the choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period. The sides open to the side chapels added to the nave later. Under the arches are four of the frescoes, that were discovered end of the 19th century. As the church belonged to the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge, where relics of Sainte-Barbe ("Great Martyr Barbara") were venerated, it is no surprise, that there is a "Saint Barbara cycle".

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. Choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period, still exist. Notre Dame is known for the sculpted decor, as well as its 14th century frescoes, discovered end of the 19th century. Here is "The Last Supper" in a symmetrical composition organized around Christ. Saint John is leaning his head against Christ's shoulder. Saint Paul (sword and balding head), sits to the left of Christ. Saint Paulus holds a large key. Judas (a bit hard to see) sits across from Christ, isolated on the other side of the table. On the table are large platters of fish, jugs, pitchers and goblets, there are as well loaves of bread.

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. The church was modified and enlarged many times over the centuries. One bay of the nave, a lateral chapel forming the base of the tower date to the 16th century. The facade was erected within the 17th century, the second side chapel was added around 1826. Standing in the nave, facing east to the Romanesque choir. oN the left wall one of the 14th century frescoes, discovered end of the 19th century

A priory of the Abbey Sainte-Barbe en Auge (100kms east) existed nearby since 1107. "Notre Dame" (co-dedicated to "Sainte Barbe") was given to the priory in 1165. An inscription in the apse tells, that the church was consecrated in 1128. The church was modified and enlarged many times over the centuries. One bay of the nave, a lateral chapel forming the base of the tower date to the 16th century. The facade was erected within the 17th century, the second side chapel was added around 1826. Choir and apse, constructed during the Romanesque period, still exist. Notre Dame is known for the sculpted decor, as well as its 14th century frescoes, discovered end of the 19th century.