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Origin and history

The abbey of Saint-Nicolas-aux-Bois was founded around 1086 by two hermits during the reign of Philip I. It became a double monastery (receiving brothers and nuns), and was reformed between 1120 and 1134 by Abbé Simon, from Saint-Nicaise de Reims. His history was marked by conflicts, such as the execution of three schoolchildren by Enguerrand IV de Coucy in the 13th century, resulting in a condemnation by Saint-Louis.

The Hundred Years' War ravaged the abbey: the abbey was killed in 1403, and the English looted it in 1418. Rebuilt, it suffered further damage during the Wars of Religion (destruction by Protestants in 1567). Restored in the 17th and 18th centuries, notably by Maurists from 1670, it was almost entirely rebuilt between 1722 and 1738, then in 1764.

The French Revolution rang its bells: the religious were expelled in 1790, and the abbey, sold as a national property, retained only 15th century remains. Among them, a square tower of the abbey house, now degraded by fires and infiltrations. Ranked a historic monument in 1927, it bears witness to a rich past, documented by ancient watercolours and engravings.

The abbey had an important land heritage, including farms, houses and mills in the surrounding villages (Augusticourt, Laniscourt, etc.). She also exercised influence over priories, such as Le Tortoir, and perceived tithes in twelve parishes, including Faucoucourt. His history is recorded in books such as the Monasticon Gallicanum and local bulletins.

Among his notable abbots, Simon (XII century) imposed a reform, while Caesar d'Estrées (17th century) moved to the installation of Maurists. The last merchant abbot, Louis Hector de Sabran, held office until the abbey was abolished. The current, though fragmentary, remains recall its spiritual and economic role in Picardia.

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