Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The abbey of Saint-Jean-Baptiste du Moncel, located at Pontpoint in the Oise (Hauts-de-France), was founded in 1309 by Philippe le Bel on lands confiscated by Philippe de Beaumanoir, baili de Senlis. The king, advised by his Franciscan confessor, set up a convent in Clarisses, a female contemplative order linked to the Franciscans. The construction began in 1309, but was interrupted at the death of Philippe le Bel in 1314, before being resumed in 1328 under Philippe de Valois. The abbey was consecrated in 1336 by Cardinal Guy de Boulogne in the presence of the royal family and noble ladies.

The first twelve nuns arrived in 1335, coming from the abbeys of Longchamp, Saint-Marcel and Provins. The abbey, placed under the name of Saint John the Baptist, quickly welcomed sixty nuns from the aristocracy, who paid a dowry at their entrance. Queen Jeanne of Burgundy, especially attached to the Moncel, bequeathed her entrails there by will, encouraging other nobles to do the same. The abbey enjoyed royal income, including the farm of the Moncel, and became a place of prayer for the prosperity of the kingdom.

In the 14th century, the abbey experienced trials such as the English looting after the defeat of Crécy (1346), the black plague (1348), and the damage caused by the Great Jacquerie (1358). The commune of Pontpoint, indebted to the abbey, gave him his rights in 1364, ending his autonomy. Despite these difficulties, the abbey prospered thanks to its forest privileges and its spiritual role, attracting personalities like Saint Colette de Corbie, who briefly stayed there in 1402 before criticizing his lack of monastic rigour.

In the modern era, the abbey experienced great periods under Francis I, which confirmed its privileges in 1549 after a fire in 1526. However, she lost the royal favor under Louis XIV, which limited the duration of the Abbatiate and attempted to impose an abbess of her choice. In the 18th century, in the face of the decline in vocations, the abbey opened a boarding school for girls, welcoming between 37 and 46 students. The French Revolution sounded its decline: sold as national property in 1792, its church was demolished in 1795, and its stones sold.

After its decommissioning, the abbey served as a military hospital, wine cellar in the 19th century, and then a small seminary from 1923 to 1982. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1920, it was saved by the Old Manoir Club from 1984. Today, its restored buildings, including the 14th century vaulted cellars and the unique reverse frame frames in Europe, are visited. The site also houses an archaeological museum and hosts cultural events, perpetuating its royal and monastic heritage.

Future

The Abbey has been taken over by the Old Manoir Club since 1984.

We can now take advantage of this exceptional setting to carry out various events or events such as Weddings, receptions, exhibitions, concerts
taking advantage of the large courtyard, the Philippe Le Bel room, the vaulted cellars and the exclusive places in a park of 6 ha.

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