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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Notre Dame de Willencourt Abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century by Cistercian nuns, originally installed on the island of Sénard in Willencourt (Pas-de-Calais). Promoted to the rank of abbey in 1201 or 1202, it was transferred to the village in 1220, its church becoming later parish. The Spanish invasions forced the nuns to move the abbey to Abbeville in 1662, on the Marcade road, while retaining its original name.

In 1747, the abbey merged with that of Épagne-Épagnette (Somme), under the direction of the abbesse Anne Marguerite Feydeau. The latter welcomed his nephew, the Chevalier de La Barre, whose judicial case marked history. In 1773, an explosion destroyed the buildings, requiring their reconstruction. The current remains, a convent building and the 17th-18th century Abbess Hotel, were listed as historical monuments in 1998.

The Abbey illustrates the political and religious upheavals of Picardia, between wars, monastic reforms and tensions with the royal power. His transfer to Abbeville reflects strategies to protect religious communities from border conflicts. The reconstructions of the eighteenth century bear witness to its resilience, despite the destruction suffered. Today, these remains recall its spiritual and social role in the region.

The preserved buildings, located on the 86 Marcadé road in Abbeville, include the former Abbatial Palace and conventual outbuildings. Their architecture combines classicism and Cistercian sobriety, characteristic of post-disaster reconstructions. Although private property, their heritage inscription underscores their historical and architectural value to the Hauts-de-France.

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