Fontevraud Abbey

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.