Beaugency - Notre Dame

Beaugency was an important place already within the 11th century. It has been the site of numerous military conflicts. During the Hundred Years' War it was occupied on four separate occasions by English troops. In 1429, it was the site of the Battle of Beaugency, when it was freed by Joan of Arc.

It was burned down and looted by the Protestants in 1567.

The day, when the relics of the Saint martyrs Firmin, Fuscien, Victoric and Gentien were found, Simon, Lord of Beaugency was cured of leprosy by miracle. He then founded the abbey in the 11th century. That is the legend.

Sure is, that in 1104 Philip I of France (aka "Philip the Amorous") and his spouse Bertha of Holland appeared in front of the council to ask for their marriage vows to be annulled. At that time Philip was already living with Bertrade de Montfort.

Knowing that this was the right place, in 1152 Louis VII and his spouse Eleanor of Aquitaine appeared in front of the council here, to ask for their marriage vows to be annulled. Only some weeks later Eleanor married Henry II of England (aka "Henry Plantagenet"). A conflict started, that ended in the Hundred Years' War.

The abbey church was erected within the 12th century, but got ruined during the time of Huguenot vandalism. What is seen today is the result of a rebuilding process, undertaken during the 16th and 17th century.

The Romanesque structure of the church is still clearly visible.