Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Aliénor d'Aquitaine

The abbey was founded in 1068 by Ayraud Gadessenier, the Lord of Vouvant. Augustine Regulars lived here, responsible for cleansing the Poitevin swamps around. Aénor de Châtellerault (1103 - 1130) is buried here. She was the mother of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who became tone of the most powerful women in medieval Europe. The status of the abbey was promoted to an "Abbaye Royale" in 1141 by King Louis VII, then husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Later, by her marriage to Henry II (Plantagenet), Eleanor was to become Queen of England. The abbey was burnt down by the Huguenots in 1568 and went into decline. It got restored during the 19th century and still has a wonderful cloister. Unfortunately my "timing" was quite bad that time. I reached at noon time - and was not patient enough to wait for some hours, as the cloister was locked for the lunchbreak. I´ll be back here later. Looking up - the dome over the crossing.

The abbey was founded in 1068 by Ayraud Gadessenier, the Lord of Vouvant. Augustine Regulars lived here, responsible for cleansing the Poitevin swamps around. Aénor de Châtellerault (1103 - 1130) is buried here. She was the mother of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who became tone of the most powerful women in medieval Europe. The status of the abbey was promoted to an "Abbaye Royale" in 1141 by King Louis VII, then husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Later, by her marriage to Henry II (Plantagenet), Eleanor was to become Queen of England. The abbey was burnt down by the Huguenots in 1568 and went into decline. It got restored during the 19th century and still has a wonderful cloister. Unfortunately my "timing" was quite bad that time. I reached at noon time - and was not patient enough to wait for some hours, as the cloister was locked for the lunchbreak. I´ll be back here later. But at least the former abbey church was open for visitors.

The abbey was founded in 1068 by Ayraud Gadessenier, the Lord of Vouvant. Augustine Regulars lived here, responsible for cleansing the Poitevin swamps around. Aénor de Châtellerault (1103 - 1130) is buried here. She was the mother of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who became tone of the most powerful women in medieval Europe. The status of the abbey was promoted to an "Abbaye Royale" in 1141 by King Louis VII, then husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Later, by her marriage to Henry II (Plantagenet), Eleanor was to become Queen of England. The abbey was burnt down by the Huguenots in 1568 and went into decline. It got restored during the 19th century and still has a wonderful cloister. Unfortunately my "timing" was quite bad that time. I reached at noon time - and was not patient enough to wait for some hours, as the cloister was locked for the lunchbreak. I´ll be back here later. The portal of the former abbey churches has many parallels to the churches erected within the 12th century in the neighbouring Charente Poitou. I have actually no idea, what is depicted here.

The abbey was founded in 1068 by Ayraud Gadessenier, the Lord of Vouvant. Augustine Regulars lived here, responsible for cleansing the Poitevin swamps around. Aénor de Châtellerault (1103 - 1130) is buried here. She was the mother of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who became tone of the most powerful women in medieval Europe. The status of the abbey was promoted to an "Abbaye Royale" in 1141 by King Louis VII, then husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Later, by her marriage to Henry II (Plantagenet), Eleanor was to become Queen of England. The abbey was burnt down by the Huguenots in 1568 and went into decline. It got restored during the 19th century and still has a wonderful cloister. Unfortunately my "timing" was quite bad that time. I reached at noon time - and was not patient enough to wait for some hours, as the cloister was locked for the lunchbreak. I´ll be back here later. The portal of the former abbey churches has many parallels to the churches erected within the 12th century in the neighbouring Charente Poitou. Two weathered centaurs. Hunting.

The abbey was founded in 1068 by Ayraud Gadessenier, the Lord of Vouvant. Augustine Regulars lived here, responsible for cleansing the Poitevin swamps around. Aénor de Châtellerault (1103 - 1130) is buried here. She was the mother of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who became tone of the most powerful women in medieval Europe. The status of the abbey was promoted to an "Abbaye Royale" in 1141 by King Louis VII, then husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Later, by her marriage to Henry II (Plantagenet), Eleanor was to become Queen of England. The abbey was burnt down by the Huguenots in 1568 and went into decline. It got restored during the 19th century and still has a wonderful cloister. Unfortunately my "timing" was quite bad that time. I reached at noon time - and was not patient enough to wait for some hours, as the cloister was locked for the lunchbreak. I´ll be back here later. The portal of the former abbey churches has many parallels to the churches erected within the 12th century in the neighbouring Charente Poitou (eg St. Hilaire, Melle).

The abbey was founded in 1068 by Ayraud Gadessenier, the Lord of Vouvant. Augustine Regulars lived here, responsible for cleansing the Poitevin swamps around. Aénor de Châtellerault (1103 - 1130) is buried here. She was the mother of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who became tone of the most powerful women in medieval Europe. The status of the abbey was promoted to an "Abbaye Royale" in 1141 by King Louis VII, then husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Later, by her marriage to Henry II (Plantagenet), Eleanor was to become Queen of England. The abbey was burnt down by the Huguenots in 1568 and went into decline. It got restored during the 19th century and still has a wonderful cloister. Unfortunately my "timing" was quite bad that time. I reached at noon time - and was not patient enough to wait for some hours, as the cloister was locked for the lunchbreak. I´ll be back here later. But at least the church was open for visitors. The church is indeed well restored. The tower - was added in the 19th century.

Fontevraud Abbey, founded in 1101 by itinerant reforming preacher Robert d'Arbrissel followed his concept of the "ideal city". It was a "double monastery", that was always led by a woman. From the very beginning the convent had a strong support from the aristocracy, above all from the House of Plantagenet. The list of the abbesses is like a "who is who" of the medieval nobility. Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful ladies of medieval times, joined the convent, when she retired from the political power game in 1200. She died here in 1204. This church was the chosen burial place for the House of Plantagenet. In the center of the nave, near the choir, are the tombs. The recumbent effigies from the early 13th century still have some of the original colours. Here are the tombs of Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122 – 1204) (aka "Aliénor d'Aquitaine") Duchess of Aquitaine, Spouse of King Louis VII of France (two children), Queen consort of France, Spouse of King Henry II of England (eight children), Queen consort of England. Henry II of England (1133 – 1189) (aka "Curtmantle", Court-manteau", "FitzEmpress", "Henry Plantagenet") Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Count of Nantes, King of England.

Fontevraud Abbey, founded in 1101 by itinerant reforming preacher Robert d'Arbrissel followed his concept of the "ideal city". It was a "double monastery", that was always led by a woman. From the very beginning the convent had a strong support from the aristocracy, above all from the House of Plantagenet. The list of the abbesses is like a "who is who" of the medieval nobility. Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful ladies of medieval times, joined the convent, when she retired from the political power game in 1200. She died here in 1204. This church was the chosen burial place for the House of Plantagenet. In the center of the nave, near the choir, are the tombs. The recumbent effigies from the early 13th century still have some of the original colours. Here are the tombs of Henry II of England (1133 – 1189) (aka "Curtmantle", Court-manteau", "FitzEmpress", "Henry Plantagenet") Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Count of Nantes, King of England. Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122 – 1204) (aka "Aliénor d'Aquitaine") Duchess of Aquitaine, Spouse of King Louis VII of France (two children), Queen consort of France, Spouse of King Henry II of England (eight children), Queen consort of England. While Henry II holds a scepter, Eleanor seems reading a book. She died at the age of 82, but here she looks much younger. Somebody placed a rose on her effigy.

Fontevraud Abbey, founded in 1101 by itinerant reforming preacher Robert d'Arbrissel followed his concept of the "ideal city". It was a "double monastery", that was always led by a woman. From the very beginning the convent had a strong support from the aristocracy, above all from the House of Plantagenet. The list of the abbesses is like a "who is who" of the medieval nobility. Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful ladies of medieval times, joined the convent, when she retired from the political power game in 1200. She died here in 1204. This church was the chosen burial place for the House of Plantagenet. In the center of the nave, near the choir, are four tombs. The recumbent effigies from the early 13th century still have some of the original colours. Here are the tombs of Henry II of England (1133 – 1189) (aka "Curtmantle", Court-manteau", "FitzEmpress", "Henry Plantagenet") Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Count of Nantes, King of England. Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122 – 1204) (aka "Aliénor d'Aquitaine") Duchess of Aquitaine, Spouse of King Louis VII of France (two children), Queen consort of France, Spouse of King Henry II of England (eight children), Queen consort of England. Richard I of England (1157 – 1199) (aka "Richard Lionheart", "Richard Coeur de Lion", "Richard Loewenherz", "Richard Plantagenêt") son of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Poitiers, Count of Anjou, King of England. Isabella of Angoulême (1188 – 1246) (aka "Isabelle d'Angoulême") spouse of Henry II of England´s and Eleanor of Aquitaine´s son John, King of England (aka "John Lackland", "Jean sans Terre"), Queen consort of England, spouse of Hugh X of Lusignan, Countess of Angoulême.

Robert d'Arbrissel (1045 – 1116) started as an itinerant preacher, was exiled to Paris. Then was an archpriest fighting lay investiture and clerical concubinage. His reforming zeal aroused such enmity that he was compelled to leave the diocese. He became a hermit. His piety and eloquence attracted many followers, for whom in 1096 he founded the monastery of La Roé. Robert left the convent and, living in the utmost destitution, worked again as an itinerant preacher. His eloquence drew crowds and provoked the church hierarchy. So in 1100, he was requested to give up the nomadic life and to settle down with his followers. Robert founded the "double monastery" Fontevraud Abbey. He himself could bear the sedentary life only for a short while. He appointed Hersende de Champagne (Heloisa´s mum?) to lead the convent and hit the road again. In 1116 he died in the Priory of Orsan. From the very beginning the convent had a strong support from the aristocracy, above all from the House of Plantagenet. Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful ladies of medieval times, joined the convent, when she retired from the political powergame in 1200. She died here in 1204 and in the nave of this church, once choosen as the burial place for the House of Plantagenet, is her tomb. The convent was successful and existed upto the French Revolution. In 1804 Napoleon signed a decree, transforming the abbey into a prison. The abbey was a prison upto 1963! Holding upto 2000 prisoners, the prison was known to be of the "toughest in France". The nave of the abbey church. To squeeze in more prisoners here, four floors were installed within this nave upto the renovation and rebuilding process. Thousands of prisoners have lived (and died) here over more than 150 years. All walls of the abbey are covered with carved with names and dates. Where the visitors gather are the tombs of the Plantagenets.

Robert d'Arbrissel (1045 – 1116) started his career as an itinerant preacher. After a conflict with the bishop of Rennes, he was exiled to Paris. The bishop recalled him back later and appointed Robert to be an archpriest for reforming the clergy, what meant fighting lay investiture, clerical concubinage etc. His reforming zeal aroused such enmity that after the bishop´s death, he was compelled to leave the diocese. He became a hermit. His piety and eloquence attracted many followers, for whom in 1096 he founded the monastery of La Roé. Robert left the convent and, living in the utmost destitution, worked again as an itinerant preacher. His eloquence and his ascetic appearance, drew crowds. He again came into conflict with a bishop. In 1100, during a council in Poitiers, he was requested to give up his nomadic life and to settle down with his followers. A piece of land was bestowed on him, where at 1001 Robert founded the "double monastery" Fontevraud Abbey. He invited people of every age and condition to join - "under the leadership of a woman". This may have attracted many noble and wealthy ladies. Robert himself could bear the sedentary life only for a short while. He appointed Hersende de Champagne (Heloisa´s mum?) to lead the convent and hit the road again. In 1116 he died in the Priory of Orsan. At that time Hersende had already commissioned the construction of the church. The monastery, Hersende had in mind, when she started the process, should accomodate at least 500 nuns and "fratres". From the very beginning the convent had a strong support from the aristocracy, above all from the House of Plantagenet. Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful ladies of medieval times, joined the convent, when she retired from the political powergame in 1200. She died here in 1204 and in the nave of this church, once choosen as the burial place for the House of Plantagenet, is her tomb. Some of the "fratres" could not bear to live "under the leadership of a woman" - and left again, but the convent was successful and existed upto the French Revolution. In 1804 Napoleon signed a decree, transforming the abbey into a prison. The abbey was a prison upto 1963! Holding upto 2000 prisoners, the prison was known to be of the "toughest in France". Here is the western facade of the former abbey church.

Robert d'Arbrissel (1045 – 1116) started his career as an itinerant preacher. After a conflict with the bishop of Rennes, he was exiled to Paris. The bishop recalled him back later and appointed Robert to be an archpriest for reforming the clergy, what meant fighting lay investiture, clerical concubinage etc. His reforming zeal aroused such enmity that after the bishop´s death, he was compelled to leave the diocese. He became a hermit, but he did not stay lonely in the forests. His piety, eloquence, sympathetic view of women attracted many followers, for whom in 1096 he founded the monastery of La Roé. The same year, Pope Urban II, touring through France, met Robert and appointed him "preacher second only to himself". Robert left the convent and, living in the utmost destitution, restarted his life as an itinerant preacher, addressing the poor. His eloquence and his ascetic appearance, drew crowds. He again came into conflict with a bishop. In 1100, during a council in Poitiers, he was requested to give up his nomadic life and to settle down with his followers. A piece of land ("Fons Evraldi") was bestowed on him, where at 1001 Robert founded the "double monastery" Fontevraud Abbey. He invited people of every age and condition to join - "under the leadership of a woman". This may have attracted many noble and wealthy ladies. Robert himself could bear the sedentary life only for a short while. He appointed Hersende de Champagne (Heloisa´s mum?) to lead the convent and hit the road again. In 1116 he died in the Priory of Orsan. At that time, the abbey had 35 priories already and Hersende had already commissioned the construction of the church. The monastery, Hersende had in mind, when she started the process, should accomodate at least 500 nuns and "fratres". The apse, seen here, was consecrated by Pope Callixtus II in 1119. From the very beginning the convent had a strong support from the aristocracy, above all from the House of Plantagenet. Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful ladies of medieval times, joined the convent, when she retired from the political powergame in 1200. She died here in 1204 and in the nave of this church, once choosen as the burial place for the House of Plantagenet, is her tomb.