Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Raymond of Poitou

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty. The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists. The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century. It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168. In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired. This side portal is - for me - the most interesting piece of medieval art in Lusignan. Find the elephant on the left - and the camel on the right. As I have taken detailed photos here already some years ago, I will not add more. Just follow this link: www.ipernity.com/search/photo?opt=&q=Notre-Dame+et+Saint-Junien&w=323415&t=0&lic=&s=0

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty. The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists. The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century. It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168. In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired. An elegant mermaid holding a mirror. A symbol of vanity.

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty. The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists. The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century. It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168. In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired. Two griffins (with one head) hold a chalice, probably a variation of the two birds drinking from a chalice.

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty. The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists. The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century. It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168. In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired. A small stair leads down into the crypt under the choir. The crypt was erected, before the construction of the choir above started, so these pillars can probably dated to around 1040/1050.

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty. The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists. The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century. It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168. In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired. A small stair leads down into the crypt under the choir. It was pretty dark - and there was no switch (previous photo) ... what was wrong ... on my way back I found it

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty. The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists. The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century. It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168. In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired. A small stair leads down into the crypt under the choir. It was pretty dark - and there was no switch..

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty. The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists. The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century. It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168. In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired. Near the crossing is a pride of slender and very flexible lions.

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty. The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists. The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century. It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168. In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired. The lions on the capitals are slender and very flexible.

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty. The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists. The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century. It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168. In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired.

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty. The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists. The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century. It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168. In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired.

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as Prince Raymond of Poitou married Fairy Melusine. They had ten children - and so founded this dynasty. "Les halles", built in 1853, are impressing 33 meters long and 16 meters wide. They replaced a medieval market hall. Mid 19th century the very most "new" market halls were metal constructions, so this was a very "traditional" structure at that time.

Approaching Lusignan, former home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan" an old noble family deeply rooted in the medieval legends. Prince Raymond of Poitou married Fairy Melusine (we just met both at the fountain). They had ten children - and so founded this dynasty. Actually Melusine was very popular. The House of Plantagenet also claims ancestry from Melusine.