Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Abbey of Clairmarais was founded in 1140 by Gonfroi, sent from Saint-Bernard, according to the rules of the Order of Cîteaux. Originally, the establishment was considered a Benedictine house before becoming a Cistercian under the impulse of Bernard de Clairvaux. Gonfroi and twelve monks of Clairvaux settled in the forest of Rihoult, near Saint-Omer, and built a first oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The site, initially marshy, was named Claris Mariscus because of its environment. The abbey settled permanently at its present location in 1161, with land limited but enriched by successive donations.

In the decades following its foundation, the abbey benefited from numerous donations of land and rents from local nobles, such as Thierry d'Alsace (Comte de Flanders), Mathieu de Lorraine, and Arnould I de Guînes. These gifts, often confirmed by charters, allowed Clairmarais to expand and prosper. In 1176 Philippe d'Alsace, Count of Flanders, placed the abbey under his protection and granted him land in Loon-Plage, free of feudal rights. These lands, called Enna's censes became a source of conflict because of the damage caused by rabbits and disputes over the maintenance of dykes.

The abbey enjoyed its climax with up to 100 religious and 200 conversing brothers, and possessed a richly endowed church (carillon of 19 bells, windows, sculptures), as well as agricultural and craft outbuildings (brasserie, bakery, etc.). After 600 years of history and 59 abbots, it was dissolved in 1791 during the French Revolution. His property was sold as national property, and only a few buildings, such as the abbey farm, survived. In 2019, an artisanal brewery reopened, perpetuating the brewing activity of the monks.

The abbey, daughter of Clairvaux and dependent on Cîteaux, was classified as a historical monument in 1946 for its ruins and in 1987 for its farm, pigeon-house and medieval remains. His notable abbots included Gonfroi (first abbot), Hubert Raoul (author of a story about Alexandre Farnese), and Charles-Omer Deschodt (last abbot, expelled in 1791). Personalities such as Dom Jean Ballin, a monk and columnist of the 16th century, also left their mark.

The abbey archives, partially dispersed, include a cartular, 11 of which (1153–1297) were auctioned in 2009. These documents testify to donations and conflicts related to the abbey, especially with the lords of Guînes and the chestnuts of Bourbourg. Today, the ruins and the farm, with its 18th century pavilion, recall its glorious past.

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