Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The abbey of Notre-Dame de Séry was founded in 1127 by Anselme de Cayeu, lord of Bouillancourt-en-Séry, as a priory before becoming a pre-demonstrated abbey in 1150. Originally located in Bouillancourt, she was moved to Bouttencourt, where she remained linked to the Cayeu family. The religious, from the abbey of Dommartin Saint-Josse, settled there permanently, but the abbey suffered conflicts, especially during the Hundred Years' War (fire by the English in 1415) and the Huguenot looting in 1565.

In the 17th century, the abbey was rebuilt under the impetus of the trading abbots Alphonse of Halewyn and Gaston Chamillart, adopting a homogeneous style combining brick and stone. Thomas Corneille was still there in 1704. The Revolution transformed it into a National Good: sold in 1791, it became a spinning machine under the Second Empire. Today, its remains (abbatial logis, cloister, 18th century panelling) have been protected since 2016 and are home to a recreation centre.

The excavations revealed traces of the 13th century abbey church, while elements of furniture (retirement, confessionals, organs) were scattered in neighbouring churches, such as in Gamaches, Oisemont or Aumale. The site also preserves an 18th century painting depicting Saint Norbert, founder of the pre-demonstrated order. The abbey thus illustrates the religious and architectural history of Picardia, from medieval origins to its contemporary reconversion.

External links