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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The abbey of Froidmont, founded in 1134 by Alix de Dammartin, lady of Achy and Bulles, is a Cistercian abbey located near Hermes, Oise. A dozen monks from Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp Abbey settled there, and the church was consecrated in 1136 by Odon, bishop of Beauvais. The monastery first took the name of Notre-Dame de Trye before being renamed Coldmont around 1150. In 1137 King Louis VI the Big placed the abbey under his protection, and in 1147 Pope Eugene III confirmed its foundation by a pontifical bubble.

In the Middle Ages, the abbey prospered through seigneurial donations and had seven agricultural barns operated by conversing brothers. In 1204 a bubble of Pope Innocent III confirmed his property, and in 1258 Saint Louis strengthened this protection. However, the abbey suffered looting during the Great Jacquerie (1358) and English rides, causing a gradual decline. The ditches dug to protect oneself testify to this troubled period.

From 1528 the abbey passed under the regime of commende with Claude de Beze, uncle of Théodore de Bèze, who rebuilt part of the buildings. The wars of Religion and tensions with trading abbots further weaken the monastery. In 1666 Louis XIV founded six Masses for Anne of Austria, and in 1774 Abbé Étienne-Charles de Loménie de Brienne obtained permission to destroy several buildings in ruins. The abbey was finally abolished in 1790, and its property was sold as national property.

Today, there are only remains such as the 13th-XIVth-century barn, classified as a historical monument in 1995, the 12th-century enclosure wall, and a 19th-century dovecote. All the sheepfolds, porch and wall have been registered since 1988. The Abbey is known for hosting the poet Hélinand de Froidmont, author of the Vers de la Mort (1194-1197).

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