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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The abbey of Essômes, founded in 1090 by Thibaut de Pierrefonds, bishop of Soissons, was originally destined for the regular canons of Saint-Augustin. Located in Essômes-sur-Marne in Aisne, it was marked by significant gifts, such as that of Henri III of Champagne after the ravages of the War of Succession of Champagne, including the castle of Essômes and other properties. These contributions made it possible to repair the damage suffered by the monastery, consolidating its role in the region.

In the 14th century, the abbey successfully resisted the English siege of 1370 during the Hundred Years War, an event attributed by the inhabitants to the intercession of Saint Ferréol of Vienna, which then became the patron of the church. The building, partially destroyed, was rebuilt and rebuilt in 1548 by Abbé Claude Guillart after a major renovation. Despite abandonments linked to the beginning, part of the nave was demolished in 1765 because of its delapidated state. The buildings and the tower were destroyed after the seizure of the national property in 1793.

The First World War caused significant damage to the church, requiring a restoration campaign conducted from 1919 to 1930 under the direction of architect Jules Tillet. Today, only part of the Abbey Church of Saint-Ferréol, built in the 13th century, has been classified as a historical monument since 1846. The site, open to the public in summer, houses remarkable elements such as 16th century stalls, 13th, 14th and 16th century stained glass windows, and a tombstone by Abbé Claude Guillart. An arrow, rebuilt in 2012, crowns the building again, symbolizing its resilience throughout the centuries.

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