Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The abbey of the Premontrés of Licques came into being in 1131, when Robert said the Barbu, returning from the First Crusade, founded the Collegiate of the Virgin Mary in Licques. In 1132, under the impetus of Bishop Milon I of Thérouanne, this collegiate became an abbey of the Order of the Premonstrates, led by Henry, the first designated abbot. The monastery, supported by the local seigneurial family, flourished rapidly and played a key role in the dissemination of the Saint-Norbert Institute, particularly to the British Islands. Baudouin, the son of Robert, and his four brothers, all engaged in ecclesiastical life, gave up their prebends to allow this foundation, sealed by a synod in 1132.

Over the centuries, the abbey enjoyed influential protections, such as that of Robert I of Artois in 1240, brother of Saint Louis, and survived conflicts, including the looting of English between 1542 and 1546 during the occupation of Calais. In 1313, the Paris Parliament attached the abbey to the castle of Tournehem. The current buildings, including the church classified as Historic Monument in 1983, date mainly from the 18th century, showing late reconstructions after periods of destruction. The abbey, now partially extinct, retains its church as a major vestige, integrated into the local heritage.

Licques Abbey is also marked by territorial gifts and ecclesiastical agreements. In 1170, Arnould de Serques bequeathed half of the village of Serques to the abbey, while in 1178, tithes and lands were traded with the Canons of Thérouanne. In 1218, Manassès de Guînes offered a forest to the community. Among the notable figures, Abbé Henry (1143-1144) and Robert (1177) played diplomatic roles, as at the funeral of Chrétien d'Ardres. François d'Avroult, director appointed by Charles Quint, illustrates his continuing importance in the Renaissance.

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