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Origin and history

The Priory of the Chair, founded as an outbuilding of Saint-Julien de Tours Abbey, is a former Benedictine priory located in Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, Loir-et-Cher. Its history dates back to at least the 12th century, although today's remains date mainly from the 13th and 16th centuries. The chapel, rectangular to double vaulted span, combines Romanesque elements (late XII–early XIIIth) and Gothic (transformations of the XVIth). Its arch keys, one of which represents the paschal lamb, and its capitals decorated with foliage, testify to this stylistic duality. The 16th century frescoes, partially visible, as well as a Eucharistic wardrobe and liturgical swimming pools, highlight its religious use.

The mansion attests to the civil architecture of the Tuangelle Renaissance. Its façade from the 15th to the 16th century, flanked by two corbelled turrets and a polygonal tower with a screw staircase, preserves defensive traces like crows of mâchicoulis. A vaulted cellar in a broken 12th century cradle, under the wing is added around 1830, recalls the old monastic organization. The site, which was listed as historical monuments in 1963, also includes commons ( stables or barns) and a courtyard, reflecting its role both spiritual and agricultural.

A local legend evokes the burial of a bishop in the chapel, with a gold lacrosse, although no archaeological evidence attests. Modern stained glass windows were replaced by artist André Duret, marking a contemporary reappropriation of heritage. Close to the Loire castles like Chenonceau, the priory illustrates the religious and seigneurial mesh of the region, between abbatial power (Tours) and influence of the great feudals.

The elements protected since 1963 include the façades and roofs of the 16th century house, as well as the 13th century chapel (in and out). A plan of 1762 mentions a bell tower that is now gone, the location of which remains visible under the roof. The traces of mural paintings, rediscovered in 1996 on the capitals, and the Romanesque oculus walled to the north, offer clues on the successive transformations of the building.

Architecturally, the chapel is distinguished by its angeline vaults (crossed with ground ribs) and its external buttresses with glacis. The three lancet windows of the flat bedside, including an enlarged central, as well as the two burette pools in a Gothic niche, confirm its liturgical use. The house, typical of the manor houses of Touraine, combines residential function (priority dwelling) and prestige symbols, like the carved heads of the mâchicoulis watching the entrance.

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